Display Management Systems

ABSTRACT

Sensor-equipped display management systems and methods that may be used to calculate a number of products removed from a display management system based upon motion of one or more mechanisms within the display management system. Additionally, the systems and methods may be used to detect patterns from the sensor data, which may be indicative of attempted theft of products stored within the display management system. Audible and visual alerts can be provided when an attempted theft has been detected.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The instant application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/671,792, titled “System for Inventory Management” and filedNov. 1, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/135,151, filed Sep. 19, 2018, which claims the benefit of andpriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/560,498, filedSep. 19, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/622,560,filed Jan. 26, 2018, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/939,220, filed Nov. 12, 2015 and issued as U.S.Pat. No. 10,339,495 on Jul. 2, 2019, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/078,809, filed Nov. 12, 2014, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety. This application also relates to U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/308,989, filed Jun. 19, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,805,539, whichis a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/194,649, filedJul. 29, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,812,378, which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/371,417, filed Aug. 6, 2010and is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/876,919,filed Sep. 7, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,938,396, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/772,010,filed Feb. 3, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,792,711 and claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/371,417, filed Aug. 6, 2010,the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to shelving and product display and asystem for aiding in determining the inventory on the shelf in a retailstore.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

A major cost in the operation of retail stores relates to inventorymanagement, which includes the tracking and storing of inventory. Asignificant portion of this cost relates to product inventory managementin the selling area of the store. A considerable portion of inventorymanagement cost is the periodic counting of product on the storeshelves. This counting is necessary to determine the amount of producton the shelf and to help ensure the shelves are fully stocked.

Historically, the counting of inventory on store shelves was donemanually, and the results were recorded on paper. More recently,however, inventory has been counted manually with the use of a smallhand-held computer that can be configured to transmit the entered datato a central computer that compiles data and can be programmed to makedecisions regarding the purchase of products for restocking the shelves.These recent advances have helped reduce the cost of inventorymanagement; however, counting inventory still requires significantmanual labor. It would be beneficial to reduce the amount of manuallabor required to count the inventory.

Another significant cost relating to inventory management is producttheft. Certain items are relatively small but represent a high value topotential thieves who can either resell the items or use them for otherillegitimate purposes, as in the case of certain pharmaceuticalproducts. The losses generated by such thefts have a negative impact onthe profitability of retail stores.

Theft can be the result of both customers' and employees' actions andhas been difficult to eliminate. Attempts to deter and prevent thefthave proven to be only partially effective. For instance, in-storecameras often do not observe the theft clearly enough to catch orprosecute the thief. In addition, in-store security personnel are rarelyin the correct position to actually observe a thief in action. As aresult, theft continues to be a significant problem and cost in themanagement of inventory. It would be beneficial to provide aid inmonitoring for theft.

Currently, retail stores can track the amount of product sold based on anumber of items scanned at the checkout counter. While this ability hasproven useful, certain inherent disadvantages result from the use ofsuch a system. One inherent disadvantage is that the scanner only countsthe number of products that are legitimately purchased. Therefore, ifproduct is removed from the shelf but not purchased, the store is unableto determine the fact that product has been misplaced or stolen withoutvisual inspection or detection. It would be useful to compare changes inproduct level on the shelves with the amount of product sold.

A second inherent disadvantage relates to store-run product promotions.A typical promotion will have a product located at the end of an aisleor in some type of promotional location that increase customer awarenessof the product. Usually the product is also placed on the shelf in itstraditional location so that customers familiar with the productplacement of the store can find the product without undue searching.Therefore, customers can obtain the product being promoted in multipleplaces, and it can be difficult to determine the effectiveness of aparticular promotional display, i.e., the effect of a promotionaldiscount offered for the product versus the normal purchasing of theproduct. It would be beneficial to more accurately determine theeffectiveness of in-store promotions.

Another major cost of inventory management is associated with having tomaintain more inventory in the store then is actually needed to meetcustomer demand. As current systems of inventory do not automaticallyindicate that a shelf is empty, retail stores tend to rely on outputmeasured through the checkout or, alternatively, through visualinspection to determine if additional product needs to be placed on theshelf. In order to ensure the shelves are stocked with product, oftenmore product than is typically needed for a given period of time will beplaced on the shelf, sometimes in multiple facings on each shelf. Theuse of multiple facings tends to take up valuable shelf space that couldotherwise be allocated towards additional product choices so as tomaximize consumer satisfaction. It would be beneficial to reduce theamount of inventory of a particular product in the retail store.

Methods of minimizing the amount of required shelf space are known. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,720 to Hardy and U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,201 toBreslow, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety, teach asystem for organizing and displaying items on a shelf through the use ofa pusher assembly.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one aspect, this disclosure includes a display management systemhaving a mechanism that may be configured to move in response to aproduct being removed from the display management system. This movementmay be used to generate electronic data that may be detected. Further,this electronic data may be used to detect a security event, such as anattempted theft. Audible and visual alerts can be provided when anattempted theft has been detected.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. The Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Several embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way ofexample, but are not limited to the accompanying figures in which likereference numerals indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1a illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of the presentinvention including a pusher assembly and a sensor assembly.

FIG. 1b illustrates another isometric view of an embodiment of thepresent invention including a pusher assembly and a sensor assembly

FIG. 2a illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of the sensorassembly used with the present invention.

FIG. 2b illustrates a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of asensor assembly used with the present invention.

FIG. 2c illustrates a schematic view of another alternative embodimentof a sensor assembly used with the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of the presentinvention, including an antenna, an access point and a store computer.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic view of an embodiment of the presentinvention, including an access point, a store computer and a securitycamera.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart demonstrating a method of providing datafrom the indicia strip to a store computer.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart demonstrating a method of determiningthe amount of product on the shelf via a query from store computer.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart demonstrating a method of updating theassociation of particular product with a particular shelf location.

FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart demonstrating an alternative method ofupdating the association of a particular product with a particular shelflocation.

FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a partially exploded view of an alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrate an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of another alternative embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of yet another alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates an isometric view of yet another alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15a illustrates an isometric view of yet another alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15b illustrates a schematic of a beam, a fixed mirror, and a pusherassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 a.

FIG. 16a illustrates an isometric view of yet another alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16b illustrates a schematic of a beam, a fixed mirror, and a pusherassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 a.

FIG. 17a illustrates an isometric view of yet another alternativeembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17b illustrates a schematic of a beam, a fixed mirror, and a pusherassembly in accordance with the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 a.

FIGS. 18A-18C depict an alternative implementation of a displaymanagement system, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIGS. 19A and 19B schematically depict plan views of an alternativeimplementation of a display management system, according to one or moreaspects described herein.

FIG. 20A schematically depicts a capacitive sensor, according to one ormore aspects described herein.

FIG. 20B schematically depicts a control circuit, according to one ormore aspects described herein.

FIGS. 21A and 21B depict an alternative implementation of a displaymanagement system, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 22A schematically depicts an integrated accelerometer device,according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 22B schematically depicts an integrated accelerometer device incommunication with a control circuit, according to one or more aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 23 depicts an alternative implementation of a display managementsystem, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 24 schematically depicts a sensor network configured to implementone or more inventory management, security, and/or recognition functionsin combination with one or more display management systems, according toone or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 25 schematically depicts a flowchart diagram of a process that maybe executed by a display management system controller device todetermine a number of products removed from a sensor-equipped displaymanagement system, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart diagram of a process for calculation of a numberof products removed from a display management system, according to oneor more aspects described herein.

FIG. 27 depicts another implementation of a display management system,according to one or more aspects described herein, according to one ormore aspects described herein.

FIGS. 28A-28F depict a sequence of movements of a label holder as aproduct is removed from the display management system of FIG. 27,according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 29 schematically depicts the display management system of FIG. 27,including a label holder rotation sensor device, according to one ormore aspects described herein.

FIG. 30 schematically depicts another implementation of a displaymanagement system, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 31 schematically depicts another implementation of a displaymanagement system, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 32 schematically depicts another implementation of a displaymanagement system, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIGS. 32A-32C schematically depict a product-removal event, anon-removal event, and a product-stocking event, according to one ormore aspects described herein.

FIG. 33 schematically depicts another view of the display managementsystem of FIG. 27, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 34 depicts another implementation of a display management system,according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 35 depicts the display management system of FIG. 34 following therepositioning, and associated pairing of a peg hook structure into adifferent product section, according to one or more aspects describedherein.

FIG. 36 depicts a flowchart diagram of a process that may be executed bythe display management system of FIG. 34, according to one or moreaspects described herein.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart diagram of a security operational mode of acontrol module, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart diagram of a pairing operational mode of acontrol module, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart diagram of a restocking operational mode of acontrol module, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart diagram of a status operational mode of a controlmodule, according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 41 depicts a flowchart diagram of another process that may beexecuted by the display management system of FIG. 34, according to oneor more aspects described herein.

FIG. 42 depicts an implementation of a display management system,according to one or more aspects described herein.

FIG. 43 depicts an example annunciator device, according to one or moreaspects described herein.

FIG. 44 depicts a retrofitted annunciator device, according to one ormore aspects described herein.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orbeing carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure may be used with the shelf and pusher assemblysystem described in either U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,720 to Hardy or U.S. Pat.No. 4,830,201 to Breslow. The present disclosure may also be used withother pusher assemblies and shelf configurations known in the art.

FIG. 1a illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure. A shelfwall 1 is configured to support a shelf 5. The shelf 5 has a front side6, the front side 6 typically facing the aisle where customers walk whenshopping, and a rear side 7. Mounted on the shelf is a pusher assembly15. As depicted, the pusher assembly 15 includes a biasing mechanismsuch as a sheet coil spring 20 containing an indicia strip 21. Thepusher assembly 15 further includes an integral divider wall 22 and afloor section 23 on one side of the divider wall 22 and a floor section24 on the other side of the divider wall 22. The sheet coil spring 20 isoperatively connected to a pusher 25 and can be used to urge the pusher25, and the associated product, toward the front side 6 of the shelf 5.The pusher assembly 15 may be modular and can include a divider wall oran additional floor section that fit or mate in place.

As depicted FIG. 1a , a sensor assembly 30 can be mounted to theunderside of the floor 24 over which the pusher 25 travels or to theshelf 5 and is configured to read the indicia strip 21. The sensorassembly 30 can be located at any position along the floor 24 andpreferably near the coil spring 20. The indicia strip 21 is configuredto provide a pattern that includes a representation associated with theposition of the pusher 25. Thus, when the pusher 25 is moved as far aspossible towards the rear side 7 (i.e. the facing is full of product),the sensor assembly 30 can scan a representation on the indicia strip 21that reflects the pusher 25 being in that position.

The indicia strip 21 is depicted in FIG. 1a as a strip mounted on thesheet coil spring 20. The indicia strip 21 can be printed on a paperthat can be attached to the coil spring 20, and can be black on white,white on black, or some other colors in a known manner. Alternatively,the indicia strip 21 can be printed or acid etched or laser etched,depending on the sensor assembly 30 used to read the indicia strip 21,in a known manner. Moreover, the indicia strip 21 can be separate fromthe coil spring 20. In this embodiment, the indicia strip 21 can bemounted alongside or adjacent to the coil spring 20.

The representations in the pattern contained on the indicia strip 21 canbe optically readable or can be read based on other methods, includingbut not limited to passive variable capacitance, inductance, resistance,or magnetic, or active signal detection.

FIG. 1b depicts an alternative embodiment of the invention with thesensor assembly 30 mounted on the front side of the pusher 25, thesensor assembly 30 configured to read the indicia strip 21. In analternative embodiment, the sensor assembly 30 could be mounted behindthe pusher 25. Depending on the location of the coil spring 20, thesensor assembly 30 can be mounted in different places. Preferably, thesensor assembly 30 will be mounted in such a manner so as to avoiddirect contact with the product on the shelf so as to minimize damage tothe sensor assembly 30.

In another alternative embodiment, the sensor assembly 30 may be mountedwithin or on the pusher 25 and configured to read the indicia strip 21.In this embodiment, the indicia strip 21 is not mounted to or part ofthe coil spring; rather, the indicia strip 21 may be positioned alongthe top of the floor 24 or along the underside of the floor 24 and isread by the sensor assembly 30. In one aspect of this embodiment, theindicia strip 21 is of the type that may have variable magnetic orcapacitive characteristics. The sensor assembly 30 may incorporate ananalog oscillator whose frequency is determined by the magnetism orcapacitance of the indicia strip 21 at the particular position of thepusher 25. The oscillator can directly modulate the radio frequencysignal and send that signal to a central access point, as discussedbelow. The central access point can then demodulate the signal and usethe signal to determine the position of the pusher 25.

For a black/white printed indicia strip 21, an optical infrared orvisible light LED retro-reflective sensor array can be used. In anembodiment, the indicia strip 21 pattern containing the variousrepresentations could be 6 bits wide. In an alternative embodiment,depending on the width of the shelf and the desired precision, thepattern on the indicia strip could be more than 6 bits wide.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the indicia strip 21 could beless than 6 bits wide. Reducing the number of bits on the indicia strip21 reduces the precision regarding the position of the pusher 25 but hasthe advantage of potentially avoiding the need to determine thedimension of the product. An embodiment with a reduced number of bitswill be discussed below. The indicia strip will preferably include atleast two representations so that the two representations can be used toreflect at least two positions of the pusher.

Depending on the indicia strip 21 and the sensor assembly 30, the numberof measurable positions of the pusher 25 can be varied. For example, aconfiguration of a 6 bit wide pattern on an indicia strip 21 with asensor assembly 30 that can scan 6 bits could scan at least 64representations associated with 64 positions of the pusher 25. Therepresentations in the pattern on the indicia strip 21 can be in manysymbologies but a Gray Code provides that only one bit will change ineach increment of movement, reducing potential errors. The sensorassembly 30 and the indicia strip 21 can be configured depending on thedistance of travel of the pusher 25 and the expected size of theproduct.

In an embodiment, the coil spring 20 has a width of about 1 inch and theindicia strip 21 covers approximately 80% of the width of the coilspring 20. One skilled in the art will understand that other widths ofthe coil spring 20, and other dimensions of the indicia strip 21 arepossible with the invention.

In an embodiment, the number of products on the shelf could be measuredby the number of measurable positions of pusher 25. In such anembodiment, the position of the pusher 25 could be used to determine theamount of product on the shelf without the need to manually count theproduct. In an alternative embodiment, the number of measurablepositions could exceed the number of products that can be placed in afacing. In this alternative embodiment, it would be preferable to havethe number of measurable positions be an integer multiple of the numberof products for ease of calculating the amount of product on the shelf.Increasing the number of measurable positions can therefore improve theability of the system to precisely calculate the amount of product in afacing. This can become more important when a product package isunusually thin and therefore the incremental movement of the pusher 25from one code to the next becomes a large percentage of the thickness ofeach product package that it is pushing.

Thus, as different products have different dimensions, a configurationof the sensor assembly 30 and indicia strip 21 might be desired with anincreased number of measurable positions. For example, a configurationwhere 256 positions of the pusher 25 are measured might be desirable.Such a configuration could be used to determine the actual number ofproduct on the shelf for a wide variety of product dimensions.

In an alternative embodiment, the sensor assembly 30 and indicia strip21 can be configured to provide a decreased number of measurablepositions. In an embodiment, four positions of the pusher 25 aremeasurable. In such a configuration, the shelf would provide informationregarding how full the shelf was but would not provide the actualquantity of items on the shelf (assuming that 4 products would not fillthe facing). This configuration could be useful in providing anautomatic notification that a shelf was running out of product andneeded to be restocked without the need to determine the productdimensions.

FIG. 2a depicts a schematic of an embodiment of the sensor assembly 30.A printed circuit board (“PCB”) 35 is configured to support a sensor 50,the sensor 50 being compatible with the chosen type of indicia strip 21.A controller 55 is mounted to the PCB 35 and is configured to controlthe sensor 50 and transmit signals regarding the position of the pusher25 via an antenna 65. The controller 55 can be configured to actuate thesensor 50 based on an input from the timing device 70. The timing device70 can include, but is not limited to, a low power interval timer or areal time clock and is configured to provide information relating to thepassage of time.

For a black/white printed indicia strip 21, the sensor 50 can include,but is not limited to, an optical infrared or visible light LEDretro-reflective sensor. Preferably, for a 6 bit wide pattern, a lineararray of 6 emitters/sensors will be used where one emitter/sensor isaligned with each bit position printed on the indicia strip 21. In anembodiment, the sensor 50 is positioned approximately 0.1 inches fromthe surface of the printed strip mounted on the indicia strip 21. Aseach emitter/sensor pair illuminates its bit position, a binary code canbe assembled by the controller 55 that corresponds to the representationon the indicia strip 21, the representation associated with a positionof the pusher 25.

Regardless of how the position of the pusher 25 is determined, thecontroller 55 generates a pusher code that represents the position ofthe pusher 25. The pusher code can be in digital or analog form andreflects the position of the pusher 25. In addition, the pusher code canbe processed data or unprocessed data. Thus, the pusher code can be, butis not limited to, the scanned representation or a controller processedrepresentation. Alternatively, the pusher code can be some other datathat reflects the relative position of the pusher 25.

The controller 55 is powered by a power source 75. The power source 75can be, but is not limited to, a long life battery, a wired powersupply, or a solar panel. As can be appreciated, the type of powersupply will have an impact on the functionality of the sensor assembly30. If the power source 75 is a long life battery, a systemconfiguration designed to utilize less energy will be preferable toavoid the need to change the battery on a frequent basis. If the powersource 75 is a wired power source, the sensor 50 can be used morefrequently without the need to replenish the power supply and the sensorassembly 30 can even be configured to provide real time information.

The controller 55 can be manufactured with a unique serial number. Inthis embodiment, each pusher 25 would be associated with a unique serialnumber or identity code. Alternatively, each indicia strip 21 caninclude a unique identity code along with the representation associatedwith the position of the pusher 25. Encoding the indicia strip 21 with aunique identity code can reduce the complexity of the controller 55 buttypically will result in increased complexity of the sensor 50.Regardless, when the information is transmitted from the sensor assembly30, the information may include an identity code and the pusher coderepresentative of the pusher 25 position. In addition, information suchas time of sending and the status of the circuitry or the status of thepower source may also be transmitted.

FIG. 2b illustrates a schematic of an alternative embodiment of a sensorassembly 130. A PCB 135 has a power management circuit 148 configured tominimize use of power. The power management circuit 148 provides powerto a sensor 150, a controller 155 and associated memory 156. The memory156 can be volatile type memory, such as dynamic random access memory,but preferably the memory is non-volatile type memory, such as flashmemory, so as to minimize power consumption. As depicted, the powermanagement circuit 148 also provides power to a communication control157. The power management circuit 148 can also provide power to a timingdevice 170. As depicted, the power management circuit 148 is powered bya power source 175.

In this embodiment, an input signal is provided to the controller 155.The input signal can be a signal generated by the timing device 170 orcan be from some other source. The controller 155, in response,activates the sensor 150 by sending a signal to the power managementcircuit 148. The controller 155 receives data from the sensor 150 whichis used to form the pusher code representative of the position of thepusher 25. The controller 155 compares the data scanned by the sensor150 with the previous data scanned by the sensor 150, which is dataresiding in the memory 156. Depending on the configuration of thesystem, if the data scanned by the sensor 150 is the same as theprevious scanned data, the controller 155 can be configured to waituntil the end of the next interval of the timer. If the data scanned bythe sensor 150 is different, the controller 155 can then activate thecommunication control 157 and provide the pusher code to thecommunication control 157 for transmission. The communication control157 can then transmit the pusher code for further processing. The terms“transmit” and “transmission,” unless otherwise specified, includesending of information over a wire or via a wireless system and can bedirect or indirect (i.e. through a network). If the power source 175 isnot a wired power supply, however, it is preferable to use a method ofcommunication that consumes relatively little power.

FIG. 2c illustrates a schematic of an alternative embodiment of a sensorassembly 230. A PCB 235 is configured to support a sensor 250 and acontroller 255. The controller 255 is powered by a power source 275 andis configured to control the sensor 250 and has integratedfunctionality, including but not limited to, time keeping, powermanagement, and communication control. In an alternative embodiment, thecontroller 255 transmits the data scanned by the sensor 250 without anyprocessing of the data. Thus, in this embodiment the pusher code is thedata scanned by the sensor 250. In another alternative embodiment, thesensor and controller can be integrated together.

FIG. 3 illustrates a possible configuration for providing data regardingthe position of the pusher 25 to a processing device, such as a storecomputer 90. As depicted, an access point 80 is configured to transmitinformation to a central access point 85. The central access point 85 isconnected to the store computer 90 and provides the data received fromthe access point 80 to the store computer 90. The data sent from theaccess point 80 is received from antenna 165, antenna 265 and antenna365. The antenna 165 is associated with a particular pusher 25 andsensor assembly 30, typically via the use of a unique serial number thatcan be associated with a controller. The antenna 265 and the antenna 365are also associated with different pushers 25 and sensor assemblies 30,each with a unique serial number. Alternatively, one or more antennascould be associated with more than one pushers 25.

In general, the power required to transmit wireless signals increases asthe transmission distance increases. Thus, especially with a batterypowered controller, the preferred wireless communication configurationwill transmit low powered signals over a short distance. As depicted inFIG. 3, the various antennas 165, 265 and 365 transmit a wireless signalto the access point 80, located nearby, thus a low powered transmissionis suitable. The access point 80 then re-transmits the signal to thecentral access point 85 using higher power during the secondarytransmission. In this manner, the power source for the variouscontrollers connected to the antenna 165, 265 and 365 can more readilyutilize a power source 75 consisting of a long life battery. While thetransmission method between access point 80 and central access point 85is depicted as wireless, the access point 80 and central access point 85can also communicate over wires.

In an alternative embodiment, the controller 55 corresponding to eachpusher 25 can be hard-wired to an access point 80 so that the controller55 transmits the data to access point 80 over one or more wires. Theaccess point 80 can then transmit the data to the store computer 90. Inanother alternative embodiment, the data is transmitted directly fromthe sensor assembly 30 to the store computer 90. In this embodiment, thetransmission can be either wireless, such as an infrared, ultrasonic orelectromagnetic wave transmission, or can be hard-wired. Depending onthe method of transmission, it may be desirable to transmit the datafrom the sensor assembly 30 to the store computer 90 via a networkprotocol that can compensate for, or minimize, communication errors.

The use of a wired connection can provide a useful source of power andcan reduce the possibility of communication collisions, especially ifthe signals are directly to the store computer 90. In addition, byproviding additional power, the controller 55 can be configured toprovide a real time update on the level of product on the shelf or inthe store so that more accurate decisions regarding the need to orderadditional product can be made. This configuration also makes itpossible to recognize and send alerts regarding potential theftsituations based on the real-time movement of the pusher 25. The realtime product information may make it possible to provide a moreresponsive inventory system so as to lower the amount of inventory inthe store and therefore reduce the cost of inventory.

Wireless systems, on the other hand, provide increased flexibility ininstallation and can be readily installed in existing shelves withoutthe need to install wires for either power or communication. Inaddition, the use of a wireless system allows for the gradualinstallation of an inventory system. For example, items of high value(and therefore suffering from an increased likelihood of being stolen)or items that tend to have significant variations in customer demand canbe monitored first.

In an embodiment, the sensor assemblies 30 may be networked together viaa series of wireless access points 80 where each access point 80 acceptstransmissions from any sensor assembly 30 in the vicinity of the accesspoint 80. Thus, in an embodiment, there exist a number of wirelessaccess points 80 and the access points 80 are connected via a network,where the network transmits the data to the store computer 90. In analternative embodiment, each wireless access point 80 transmits the datadirectly to the store computer 90.

Naturally, some combination of network and direct transmission is alsopossible and is considered within the scope of the present invention.For example, a battery powered sensor assembly 30 could communicate viaa low powered wireless transmission to an access point 80, the accesspoint 80 being powered by a wired power supply. The access point wouldtransmit a wireless signal to a central access point 85 that was poweredby a wired power supply. The central access point 85 could be connectedvia a wire to the store computer 90.

Referring back to FIG. 2a , if a timing device 70 comprises a lowpowered timer, the controller 55 can rest dormant until a signal fromthe timing device 70 indicates it is time to send an update regardingthe position of the pusher 25. An example of a low powered timerincludes a low powered, low cost interval timer. Low powered, low costinterval timers may not be highly accurate and therefore multiple pusherdevices in a store will likely randomize their transmission times so asto reduce transmission collisions. The period of data transmissiontypically will be on the order of a few milliseconds, and therefore, itis unlikely that signals from different controllers will be sent at thesame time. This likelihood can be further decreased if the controllersare not all started at the same time. If the transmissions only occur afew times per day (i.e. to provide periodic updates on the amount ofproduct on the shelf), the likelihood of communication collisions isfurther reduced. In addition, the decreased frequency of transmissionand the short transmission period helps reduce the amount of powerconsumed.

In an alternative embodiment, the sensor 50 continuously monitors theindicia strip 21. When a product is removed from the shelf, the pusher25 will move and the sensor 50 can scan a new representation on theindicia strip 21 corresponding to the new position of the pusher 25. Thecontroller 55 can then send a transmission including the new position ofthe pusher 25 to the store computer 90 (i.e. the controller 55 can senda new pusher code). In this alternative embodiment, the store computer90 can monitor the amount of product on the shelf in real time.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the transmission of signals, from the antenna 165to the store computer 90 for example, is a one-way transmission. In analternative embodiment, the system may be set up to handle two-waytransmission of signals between the sensor assembly 30 and the storecomputer 90. In a two-way wireless system, additional hardware such as areceiver is included in the sensor assembly 30. The two-way systemallows for bi-directional transfer of information.

For example, the store computer 90 could query a particular controller55 about the position of the associated pusher 25. The controller 55could activate the sensor 50 in response to the query and determine apusher code reflecting the position of the pusher 25. The controller 55could then transmit the pusher code along with the identity code of thecontroller 55 to the store computer 90. Based on the pusher code, thestore computer 90 could determine the inventory level of a product. Toavoid activating the wrong controller 55, the store computer 90 couldinclude the identifying code in the transmission. The store computer 90may store, access, and perform functions with the identifying codes ofall or a subset of the controllers or pusher systems in the store.

In an embodiment, all the controllers 55 associated with productspurchased from the same vendor could be queried just before the order tothe respective vendor was placed. The order to that vendor could then beupdated with the latest product inventory information. In this manner,the order placed to the vendor could be made more accurate without theneed for laborious counting of products on the shelf.

Some vendors are responsible for stocking the shelves in a retail storeinstead of the store personnel. In a situation where a vendor wasresponsible for stocking the shelves, an embodiment of the presentinvention could provide the vendor with updates in response to queriesfrom the vendor's computer. In an embodiment, the vendor could track theamount of product available on the shelves as frequently as desired,even in real time.

For example, a vendor could send a query to a controller 55 via a widearea network (“WAN”). The controller 55 could determine the position ofthe pusher 25 and transmit a signal back to the vendor via the WAN. Inan alternative embodiment, the vendor could communicate with the storecomputer 90 to obtain information regarding the inventory level ofproducts on the shelf.

In an embodiment, the vendor could control the manufacturing process ofthe product in response to inventory levels on the shelves. As can beappreciated, the vendor would have an increasingly effective inventorysystem if multiple stores were networked to the vendor's computer sothat the aggregate amount of product on all the store shelves could bedetermined. If the vendor was only connected to a single store, theinformation, while less indicative of the total inventory, could providevaluable details regarding patterns of behavior of the consumers.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that includesthe use of a security camera 195. As depicted, an access point 180receives a signal from a controller 155 indicating that pusher 25, notshown, has moved. The access point 180 transmits the signal to a centralaccess point 185 that is connected to a store computer 190. The storecomputer 190 determines that the rate of change in product level of theproduct associated with the controller 155 is indicative of a potentialtheft. The store computer 190 then transmits a signal, either wired, orwirelessly, to an antenna 196, which is mounted to the security camera195. The signal instructs the security camera 195 to monitor a positionassociated with the location of the controller 155. As can beappreciated, security personnel can sometimes provide a more nuancedresponse, thus it is advantageous to notify security personnel.Therefore, the store computer 190 can also notify security personnel tomonitor the area by displaying a warning on the store computer screen orby transmitting a signal to a security computer or by activating anaudible tone or flashing light in the vicinity of the potential theft orby other known methods of notification such as a signal to the pager orbeeper carried by the security personnel.

Information from the security camera could be sent to a television orother visual display device that is located near the location where thepotential theft is occurring. The visual display device could display animage of the potential thief such that the potential thief couldappreciate the fact that the thief was being watched.

As can be appreciated, the controller 155 preferably monitors theposition of pusher 25 on a frequent or even real time basis so as toprovide a more timely response. If a power source 75 consisting of along life battery is utilized, it may be beneficial to utilize acontroller that can determine a potential theft situation without theneed to transmit data to the store computer 190. In such an embodiment,the controller can be configured to transmit data to provide inventorylevel updates and also to provide security notifications.

As can be appreciated, the position of the potential theft relative tothe security camera 195 would be beneficial to provide an instruction tothe security camera 195 to focus on a particular position. Thispositional information could be generated by a number of methods,including providing the store computer 190 with the security cameracoordinate system for the security camera 195. The position of thecontroller 155 relative to the security camera 195 could be determinedduring setup and during a potential theft situation; the position of thecontroller 155 could be used to direct the focus of the security camera195. Alternatively, the security camera 195 could be configured to focusin several positions, such as three points along an aisle, and the storecomputer 190 could indicate which position was the most appropriate forthe particular situation. The described methods are illustrative becauseof the numerous methods of controlling the security camera 195 thatexist.

In an embodiment with a two-way transmission between the store computer190 and the controller 155, the store computer 190 could signal to thecontroller 155 to activate a device capable of providing an audiblewarning tone.

In another embodiment, the controller 155 could determine that apotential theft had occurred and could provide a notification, includingthe sounding of an audible warning tone. In addition, the controller 155could transmit a signal to the store computer 190. In this alternativeembodiment, the sensor assembly 30 would preferably include a timingdevice 70 so as to allow the controller 155 to more readily determinewhether the rate of movement of pusher 25 exceeds a preset level.

In another embodiment, a two-tiered response could be implemented. Ifthe change in position of the pusher 25 was greater than normal, asignal could be transmitted to the security camera 195. In addition, aninaudible notification could be provided directly to security personnel.If the positional change of the pusher 25 more clearly indicated apotential theft, an audible alarm and flashing lights could also beactivated. Thus, the response could be configured to more carefullymatch the situation.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a method for determining the amountof a particular product available in a facing on a shelf. In thisembodiment, the sensor assembly 30 uses a timing device 70 consisting ofa low powered interval timer. The controller 55 is initially in adormant state and only the timing device 70 is running. In step 400, thetiming device 70 provides a signal to the controller 55 that the timeinterval is complete. In step 405 the controller 55, in response to thesignal from the timing device 70, becomes activated and the controller55 then activates the sensor 50.

In step 410, the sensor 50 scans the representation contained in thepattern on the indicia strip 21 so that the controller 55 can generatethe pusher code representative of the position of the pusher 25. In step415, the controller 55 generates the pusher code in response to thepattern scanned by the sensor 50. In step 420, the controller 55transmits a signal that can include the unique serial number of thecontroller 55 and the pusher code, to the store computer 90.

Next, in step 430, the store computer 90 receives the data from thecontroller 55. In an embodiment, the transfer of data from thecontroller 55 to the store computer 90 is direct. In another embodiment,the controller 55 transmits data to the store computer 90 indirectlythrough an access point or a network.

Then, in step 440, the store computer 90 calculates the amount ofproduct on the shelf based on the position of the pusher 25. The storecomputer 90 also updates the inventory list at this point. In anembodiment where multiple facings have the same product, the totalamount of product on all of the facings that have that product can becalculated.

In an embodiment, the calculation of product in a facing can beaccomplished through the use of a database of products and the relevantdimensions of a product, and the position of the pusher. In anotherembodiment, the number of products placed in the facing can be providedduring setup of the controller 55 for that product. The position of thepusher 25 and the number of products corresponding to that position ofthe pusher 25 can be used to calculate the quantity of remainingproducts based on a later position of the pusher 25 through the use ofwell known extrapolation techniques.

In another embodiment, the position of the pusher 25 can be one of fourpositions representing X>3/4, 3/4≥X>1/2, 1/2≥X>1/4, and X≤1/4. Thislatter embodiment provides less precise information but also requiresless computation effort to provide the approximate inventory level. Inaddition, this embodiment can be used to manage inventory without theneed to determine and track the dimension of the product. In anembodiment, the amount product on the shelf can be roughly determinedbased the number of facings containing the product and whether thepusher 25 for each facing is in a position representative of a full,mostly full, low or almost empty facing.

In step 450, the store computer 90 determines whether any action isrequired. In an embodiment, a potential theft, a decrease in theinventory below a pre-set level or the emptying of a facing of productwhile ample product still remains on the shelf in other facings wouldindicate that some action was required. For example, the store computer90 could determine that, based on historical usage and the averagedelivery time and the cost per delivery, the current level of inventorywas low. In an alternative embodiment, the minimum inventory level couldbe preset and once the inventory level drops below a preset level, thestore computer 90 could determine that the product level was low.

In step 460, the store computer 90 would determine if a potential theftwas taking place. In an embodiment, the store computer 90 could comparethe current level of inventory, based on the position of the pusher 25,to the previous level of inventory. If the rate of change in inventorylevel exceeded a preset level, the store computer 90 would determinethat a potential theft was taking place. In step 465, the store computer90 would notify security. The notification could include a page tosecurity or a signal to a security camera 195 to focus in a particulardirection.

Next, in step 470, the store computer 90 would determine if the existingorder needed to be modified. The store computer 90 could compare thecurrent product requirement to the current order. If the store computer90 determined that an amount of product ordered was insufficient, thestore computer 90 would proceed to step 475. In step 475, the storecomputer 90 would update the current inventory order so that theinventory order matched the current product requirements.

Next, in step 480, the store computer 90 would determine if a facing ona shelf was empty. If there was an empty facing, the store computer 90would then notify the store management that there was an undesirableempty facing in step 485. The store management could then decide theappropriate action to take depending on the type of product and theavailability of substitute goods. If the facing was not empty, the storecomputer 90 would wait until the next product update.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a method for determining the amount ofinventory on the shelf in a two-way system. In step 510, the storecomputer 90 sends a query to a sensor assembly 30. The sensor assembly30 contains a controller 55 that is identified by a unique serial numberor identifying code.

In step 520, the sensor assembly 30 receives the query from the storecomputer 90. In response to the query, the controller 55 activates thesensor 50 and prepares to receive data reflecting the position of thepusher 25. In step 530, the sensor 50 scans the indicia strip 21 and thecontroller 55 generates a pusher code representative of the position ofthe pusher 25.

In step 540, the sensor assembly 30 transmits the pusher coderepresentative of the position of the pusher 25 along with the uniqueserial number of the controller 55 to the store computer 90.

Next, the store computer 90 receives this transmission in step 550. Thistransmission can be sent directly from the sensor assembly 30 to thestore computer 90 or, preferably, it can be indirectly through anetwork. The transmission can be sent in a wireless manner, over wires,or some combination of a wireless and wired transmission.

Then, in step 560, the store computer 90 determines the level ofinventory on the shelf. In an embodiment, the determination can be basedon the product dimension and the position of the pusher 25. In analternative embodiment, the determination can be based solely on theposition of the pusher 25.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of a method for setting up a controller fora particular product. In step 610, the product can be placed on theshelf in the appropriate facing. Alternatively, step 610 can be skippedand the set-up can start with step 620.

In step 620, a set-up button on a hand-held device is pressed. Thehand-held device is configured to transmit a signal to a store computer90 indicating that the user of the hand-held device is about toassociate a product with a serial number or identifying code of acontroller 55. Preferably, the transmission of signals between thehand-held device and the store computer 90 is done in a wireless manner.In an embodiment, the store computer 90 provides feedback to the userindicating that the store computer 90 is ready to proceed. In analternative embodiment, no feedback is provided.

Next, in step 630, the UPC code of the product is scanned andtransmitted to the store computer 90. Then, in step 640, the storecomputer 90 looks up the product dimension based on the UPC code. If theUPC code does not have a listed dimension, the store computer 90 checksif the user can input the needed dimension in step 642. If the usercannot, the setup is terminated and the user can try to setup a newproduct. If the user can determine the dimension, the user enters thedimension in step 644.

Next, in step 646, a dimension is associated with the UPC code. Then, instep 650 the store computer 90 sends a signal to the hand-held device toindicate that the user should proceed with the setup.

Next, in step 660 the user activates the controller 55 with thehand-held device. In an embodiment, an optical setup sensor is mountedon the pusher assembly and is connected to the controller 55.Preferably, the setup sensor is recessed in the pusher 25 but could bemounted in other locations such as on the top or the side of the pusher25. The hand-held device will be configured to transmit a signal to thesetup sensor. The act of transmitting the setup signal to the setupsensor will cause the controller 55 to awake from a dormant state.

Then in step 670, the controller 55, in response to the setup signal,will send data indicating that the controller 55 is being setup to thestore computer 90. The data will include the unique serial number of thecontroller 55. The data may also include a generic setup code or a setupcode corresponding to the hand-held scanner and can include a pushercode representative of the position of the pusher 25. In the event thatmultiple hand-held devices are being utilized at the same time, it maybe beneficial to provide a setup code associated with a particularhand-held device.

Next, in step 680, the store computer 90 will receive the data from thecontroller 55. If the data includes the pusher code, the store computer90 can calculate the amount of product in the facing at this time. Instep 685, the store computer 90 sends a signal to the hand-held deviceindicating that the controller 55 has been setup and associated with theUPC code of a particular product. In addition, if the position of thepusher 25 was originally included, the store computer 90 can alsoprovide a calculation of the current quantity of product in the facingthat was just set up. In addition, the store computer 90 requests thatthe user verify that the setup information is correct.

Finally, in step 690, the user indicates the information is correct.Upon verification, the setup for the controller 55 is complete. Tochange the product associated with the controller 55, the process can berepeated.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative method of associating a controllerwith a product. In step 710, a hand-held device is activated to indicatethat the user is about to setup controller 55. The activation includesthe transmission of a signal to a store computer 90.

In step 720, the hand-held device is used to scan the UPC code of theproduct and transmit the information to the store computer 90. Next, instep 730, the store computer 90 looks to see if a product dimension islisted for that scanned UPC code. In the event that no dimension isassociated with the UPC code, the computer, in step 732, transmits asignal to the hand-held device requesting the user to input theappropriate product dimension.

If the user does not know the product dimension or cannot measure thedimension, the user can cancel the setup and start over with a newproduct in step 734.

If the user does know the dimension or is able to measure the dimension,the user then enters the dimension and transmits the information to thestore computer 90 in step 736. After the product dimension isdetermined, in step 740, the store computer 90 sends a signal to thehand held device indicating that the user should proceed.

Next, in step 750, the user scans the serial number of the controller55. Preferably, the serial number of the controller 55 is printed in ablack/white code on a sticker mounted to the sensor assembly 30. Afterscanning the serial number, the hand held device transmits the serialnumber to the store computer 90.

Then, in step 760, the store computer 90 associates the UPC code of theproduct with the serial number of the controller 55. The store computer90 then signals the hand held device that the setup for the device iscomplete. To avoid potential communication problems during setup, allcommunications between the hand-held device and the store computer 90can include a code representing the hand-held device.

In an alternative embodiment, the method of associating a product with acontroller 55 could be done without sending a signal to the storecomputer 90. In this embodiment, the data would be uploaded from thehand-held device once the user had associated the various controllerswith the various products.

As can be appreciated, numerous methods of product association with acontroller 55 are possible, thus the above methods are illustrative.

A system for determining the location of the pusher with an indiciastrip and sensor has been described. Numerous additional methods existfor measuring the distance between the front or rear of a shelf and thepusher or the final product in a facing of products. Based on thisdistance, and understanding the dimension of the products in the facing,a simple calculation can be performed to determine the number ofproducts in the facing. This calculation can be performed by amicroprocessor, store computer, controller or some other processingdevice which has received the information regarding the distance betweenthe shelf front and the last product in a facing. Moreover, the pusherassembly has been described to include a spring. However, some otherbiasing method, such as gravity or magnetism, would also work to movethe pusher and the product forward.

In an embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 9, theuse of transmitted light or other signal, such as a radio frequencysignal, that is passed between a position near the back of the facing ofproducts and a stationary position can be used to measure the distancebetween the front of the shelf and the pusher. In one embodiment, atransmitter 700 or 702 is incorporated into a pusher 725. Thetransmitter generates a light or other signal that can be transmitted oncommand, periodically or continuously. A light emitting diode (LED),radio frequency or ultrasonic generator or other signal generationdevice can be used to generate the light or signal.

A corresponding receiver is incorporated into a location that isstationary in relation to the pusher 725. The receiver 712 can beincorporated into a front rail or another location at or near the frontof the shelf, a receiver 730 can be incorporated into a rear rail orother location at or near the rear of the shelf, it also can beincorporated into the floor of the shelf, the track of the pusher, theroof of the shelf or the divider wall. The receiver detects the signalthat is sent from the transmitter. For example, a LED may radiate lighthaving a particular intensity. A phototransistor acting as a receiverdetects the light signals being emitted from the LED. The sensitivity ofthe phototransistor and the intensity of the LED may be adjusted by themicroprocessor in order to adjust the overall sensitivity of the opticalcomponents. In an embodiment, the adjustment can be done remotely. Thus,the transmitter can communicate in a wireless fashion with the receiverthrough RF, IR or other known means such as magnetic fields, electricalfields, sound waves and the like.

The transmitter and receiver may be in communication with a controllerthat tracks the time of sending and receiving. This data can be providedto a processing device such as a microprocessor or a store computer,thus in this embodiment the pusher code would include the time intervalbetween sending and receiving. Information regarding the time at whichthe signal was sent and the time at which it was received may beutilized by a processing device to determine the time between thetransmission and the receipt of the signal. Based on this length oftime, the processing device can calculate the distance between thetransmitter and the receiver. Knowing the dimensions of the shelf, thepusher system and the components thereof, this distance can then betranslated into the distance between the front side 6 of the shelf andthe face of the pusher 25 that is biased against the back of the facingof products. Such a translation is well known and within the knowledgeof one of ordinary skill. If the relevant dimension of the products inthe facing is known, the processing device can then calculate the numberof products in the facing based on the known dimension of the products.

In an alternative embodiment, the transmitter and the receiver switchlocations. The transmitter can be placed at or near the front or therear of the shelf or other relatively stationary position and thereceiver can be placed on or near the pusher. In an alternativeembodiment, the transmitter and the receiver can be incorporated intothe same device which merely bounces a signal off a stationary position.For example, a reflector can be placed on the pusher and atransmitter/receiver using a laser, or some other light source, candetermine the distance between the reflector and thetransmitter/receiver based on the time of travel. Examples of possibletransmitter/receivers include, but are not limited to, opticaldisplacement measurement sensors and reflective laser sensors. As can beappreciated, if a transmitter and a receiver are used to determinedistance, it is preferable that the location of either the part that isstationary be located near the front side or the rear side of the shelfso as to make the distance calculation simpler and to avoid problemswith symmetric distances on both sides of the stationary unit mounted tothe shelf. For example, mounting a transmitter halfway between the frontand rear of the shelf would make determining the location of the pushermore complicated because there would be two possible locations for agiven distance.

In an embodiment, depicted in FIG. 9, a transmitter (700, 702) isincorporated into a pusher 725. The transmitter is a light emittingdiode and is located at any location on the pusher 725 that allows thetransmitter to function. The transmitter can be located at the top ofthe pusher 725 at 700 or at the base of the pusher 725 at 702 or atother locations on the pusher 725.

A receiver is located at a position that is fixed in relation to themovement of the pusher 725. The receiver may be a phototransistor andcan be located on the front of the shelf 705, such as receiver 710 or ona front rail 708 connected to the front of the shelf, such as receiver712. The receiver can further be located on the floor of the shelf atany number of positions as represented by 714, on the floor of thepusher track at 716 or at a location above the shelf 705 such as onanother shelf (not shown) mounted above the shelf 705. The receiver canbe located on the divider wall at 720 or 722 or other location on thedivider wall. The receiver also can be located near the rear side 707 at730 or at 732. Preferably, the receiver will be mounted near the eitherfront side 706 or the rear side 707 so as to make distance calculationsimpler.

The receiver and the transmitter can also switch locations. The pushercan incorporate a receiver, and a transmitter can be incorporated at anyof the locations 710-732 as well as in any other location that is fixedin relation to the movement of the pusher. Preferably, however, thelocation of the transmitter will be near either the front side 706 orthe rear side 707 so as to make calculation of distance simpler.

In an embodiment, the transmitter is located at 700 and the receiver islocated at 710. When the pusher moves backward or forward on the shelf,the transmitter 700, mounted on the pusher 725, moves with the pusher725. When the pusher 725 is located near the back of the shelf, a signalwill take a certain amount of time to travel from the transmitter 700 tothe receiver 710. When the pusher 725 is located closer to the front ofthe shelf, a signal will take less time to travel from the transmitter700 to the receiver 710. Data regarding the transmission and receipt ofthe signal (i.e. the pusher code) is sent to a microprocessor or otherprocessing device. The processing device determines the amount of timeit takes the signal to travel from the transmitter to the receiver.Knowing the signal travel speed, the processing device determines thedistance between the transmitter and the receiver.

With an understanding of the location of the transmitter in relation tothe products and an understanding of the location of the receiver inrelation to the front or back of the shelf, the processing device willbe able to determine the distance between the pusher and the front ofthe shelf. Using the dimension of the products, the processing devicecan then determine the number of products in the facing. The lightemitting diode or other transmitter can be set to function periodically,continuously or on command from a remote location.

Alternatively, the processing device may control both the LED andphototransistor. The processing device may record a time T1 in which themicroprocessor issues a command to generate a pulse from the LED and atime T2 in which the light signal is detected by the phototransistor.Both of these times T1 and T2 may be stored in memory and used todetermine the number of product in the facing, using the above describedrelationships.

In an alternative sensing environment, a capacitive proximity sensor maybe utilized to measure the distance between the front of the shelf andthe pusher or the final product in a facing of products. The capacitiveproximity sensor detects the pusher which acts as a target for thecapacitive proximity sensor. The capacitive proximity sensor generatesan electrostatic field which is directed at the target. As the distanceof the pusher changes with respect to the location of the capacitiveproximity sensor, the capacitive proximity sensor reacts to the changesin capacitance caused by the movement of the pusher in relation to thesensor.

Additional sensing environments may also include the use of magneticproximity sensor or an inductive proximity sensor. In both sensingenvironments, the proximity sensors may be utilized to measure thedistance between the front of the shelf and the pusher or the finalproduct in a facing of product.

An inductive proximity sensor is useful in detection of metal targets asthe inductive proximity sensor uses an induced field to sense the targetobject. In an embodiment with an inductive proximity sensor, theproximity of a pusher in relation to the inductive proximity sensor canbe detected as the distance of the pusher changes with respect to thelocation of the inductive proximity sensor. Similarly, a magneticproximity sensor based on the Hall Effect principle may also be utilizedto sense the location of the pusher.

In an embodiment, a proximity sensor could be mounted near the rear side707, the proximity sensor configured to sense the distance to the pusher25. A processing device, such as the store computer or microprocessor,could determine the distance between the pusher 725 and the front side706 and use that distance to determine how much product was left on theshelf.

In an alternative embodiment, a Radio Frequency Identifying Transponder(“RFIT”) having a unique identity code is mounted to the pusher 725. Asensor assembly including a transmitter/receiver can be mounted on therear side 707 of the shelf 705. The transmitter/receiver, whenactivated, transmits an activation signal that activates the RFIT. TheRFIT, upon activation, transmits a responsive signal that includes theunique identifying code. The transmitter/receiver receives theresponsive signal from the RFIT. The sensor assembly is equipped with atiming device and measures the time between the initial transmission ofthe signal from the transmitter/receiver until the receipt of theresponsive signal from the RFIT. In an embodiment, a controller caninitiate the transmission of the signal and record the receipt of theresponsive signal into memory. The controller is also equipped with atiming device to measure the delay. The delay in time can be used tocalculate the distance between the transmitter/receiver and the RFIT. Inan embodiment, the controller can calculate the distance and provide apusher code that includes the distance. Alternatively, the pusher codewill include data regarding the delay and the pusher code will beforwarded to a processing device for distance calculation. As discussedabove, the distance between the pusher 25 and the transmitter/receivercan be used to calculate the amount of product remaining in the shelf.

An advantage of using an RFIT in combination with a transmitter/receiveris that it can be easily retro-fitted to existing systems. As the RFITdoes not require internal power, this embodiment eliminates the need toprovide a powered device on the pusher 725. The transmitter/receiver,however, is powered. Preferably, the transmitter/receiver transmits afocused or low powered signal so that only the RFIT associated with thetransmitter/receiver is activated. Alternatively, thetransmitter/receiver ignores responsive signals from RFIT's that do notinclude the proper unique identifying code.

In another alternative embodiment, a low powered, one-chip radar sensormay be used to determine the distance between the radar sensor and thepusher 725. Preferably the radar sensor may be mounted near the rearside 707 so as to make distance determinations less complex.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a device formeasuring the tension of the spring used for pushing the products can beused. The tension on the spring will, at least in part, be dependentupon the number of products in front of the pusher. As more products areplaced in front of the pusher, the spring either further compresses orexpands. In the case of a coil spring, as more products are placed infront of the pusher, the two ends of the spring move further apart andthe spring further uncoils. As the spring uncoils, the amount of tensionor pressure within the remaining coil of the spring increases. Bymeasuring the tension of the spring, the length of the spring that isuncoiled can be determined.

The spring tension measuring device can incorporate a processing deviceor can transmit the information it measures to a microprocessor or otherprocessing device. With a previous understanding of how the tension onthe spring relates to the length of the spring, the processing devicecan determine the amount or length of spring that is uncoiled. Forexample, if the coil spring has a fixed spring constant, “k”, then theformula F=−kX can be used to calculate the length of spring that isuncoiled. This information can be used to determine the distance betweenthe front of the shelf and the pusher. Understanding the dimensions ofthe products, the computing device can then determine the number ofproducts in a facing.

A spring tension measuring device may include a force measuring unitthat includes, but is not limited to, strain gauges, tensiometers,torque transducers or some other force measuring device to determine thetension exerted on the coil spring. The force measuring unit ispreferably connected to a controller, where the controller is configuredto convert the data from the force measuring unit into a force value.The controller could then transmit the force value to a processingdevice. In this embodiment, the pusher code would include a force value.Numerous other methods of measuring spring tension will be apparent toone of skill in the art and are within the scope of the invention.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the number ofproducts remaining in a particular facing is determined in part throughthe use of one or more transmitter(s) and receiver(s) placed on oppositelateral sides of the products. In one embodiment the transmitters orreceivers may be placed on divider walls that separate facings ofproducts. In one embodiment, a series of transmitters is incorporatedinto or onto the base of a divider wall. A series of receivers inincorporated into or onto the other side of the divider wall. In thismanner, when products are on a shelf, those products that are beingpushed are between the transmitters on one divider wall and thereceivers on another divider wall.

Periodically, when prompted, or continuously, the transmitter sends asignal. If there is no product between the transmitter and the receiver,the receiver will receive the signal. If there is a product between thetransmitter and the receiver, the product will block the signal, and thesignal will not be received by the receiver.

A microprocessor receives the information regarding whether or not thevarious receivers received a signal. Based on this information, themicroprocessor can determine the approximate distance between the frontof the facing and the last product in the facing. With an understandingof the dimension of the products, the information regarding receipt andnon-receipt of signals can be translated into an understanding of theapproximate number of products in the particular facing. In anembodiment, one transmitter and one receiver is used to indicate that aparticular shelf is running low on the associated product. In thisembodiment, the location of the transmitter/receiver is preferablycloser to the front side 706 then the rear side 707. Preferably acontroller with a unique identifying code is associated with thetransmitter and receiver so that the unique identifying code can beassociated with the product.

The transmitter and the receiver can be incorporated into the samedevice which attempts to bounce a signal off a predetermined targetaffixed to a particular location. If the signal bounces as expected, itindicates that there is no product between the transmitter and thetarget location. If the signal does not bounce as expected, a productexists between the transmitter and the target location.

FIG. 10 depicts a partially exploded view of an alternative embodimentof a shelf and pusher assembly, the shelf having divider walls. Asdepicted in FIG. 10, several transmitters 750 are placed on the leftside of the divider wall toward the bottom. The transmitters also can beplaced higher on the divider wall as shown at 752. Correspondingreceivers 760 are placed on the right side of the divider wall towardthe bottom. These receivers also can be placed higher on the dividerwall as shown at 762. The receivers and the transmitters are positionedsuch that an unobstructed signal can be sent from a transmitter andreceived by a corresponding receiver. When product, such as product P,is positioned in front of a pusher, it can obstruct the signal sent fromthe transmitter. As shown in FIG. 10, product P (shown in dashed lines)will prevent the signal from reaching the receiver 760 nearest the frontside 6 of the shelf. The receivers that are positioned further back thanproduct P will receive the signals sent to them. A microprocessorreceives the information regarding whether each of the receivers 760received signals. Based on this information, the microprocessor candetermine the distance between the front of the shelf and the lastproduct in a particular facing. With an understanding of the width ofeach product, the microprocessor can determine the number of products ina particular facing.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the pusher contacts avariety of sensing devices as it moves backward or forward on a shelf.Sensing devices are placed on a surface below, above, or on the sides ofa pusher. These sensing devices include devices that are mechanical,electrical and eletromechanical, optical and magnetic, and can includespring loaded latches, electrical contacts, light emitting diodes ormetal wires or other sensors such as linear position sensors.

As the pusher moves backward or forward on a shelf, it interacts withthe sensing devices. The pusher may interact with the devices throughthe mechanical contact of the pusher and the devices. The pusher mayalso be equipped with a separate sensing device that interacts with thestationary sensing devices as the pusher moves backward or forward.

Information regarding the interaction between the pusher and the sensingdevices (i.e. the pusher code) is sent to a processing device. Based onthe determination of the devices with which the pusher interacted, theprocessing device can determine the approximate position of the pusherin relation to the front of the shelf. With an understanding of productdata, such as the dimension of the product, a processing device can thendetermine the approximate number of products that are in the particularfacing related to the pusher and the sensing devices.

In an embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 11, sensing devices 810, 811 and812 are incorporated into the base of the track on which the productsrest. When products are resting directly over the switches, the sensingdevices are closed. As products are removed and the pusher 825 travelsforward, the sensing devices that are to the rear of the pusher 825 arereleased and open. A controller determines which sensing devices areopen or closed. Based on this information, a processing device candetermine the approximate distance between the pusher 825 and the frontside 806 of the shelf. Knowing the dimension of the products, theprocessing device can determine the number of products in a particularfacing.

In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 12, sensing devices814, 815, 816, 817, and 818 are placed on the pusher track 802. Aseparate contact (not shown) is placed on the bottom of the pusher 825.The contact on the pusher 825 is configured such that when the contacton the pusher 825 is adjacent to a sensing device mounted on the pushertrack 802, the sensing device on the pusher track 802 is activated. Whenthe sensing device is activated, a signal is sent to a processingdevice, the signal providing information as to which sensing devices hasbeen activated. Based on this information, the processing devise candetermine the approximate distance of the pusher from the front of theshelf Knowing additional data about the products, such as the productdimensions, the processing device can determine the number of productsin a particular facing.

For example, while contact 816 is activated, the processing device candetermine that the amount product is equal to the amount of product thatcan fit in the space between the contact 816 and the front side 806 ofthe shelf 801. In the event that the contact 816 is activated and thendeactivated, the processing device can determine that the pusher 825 isbetween contacts 815 and 817. This, therefore, provides an approximateposition of the pusher 825 and the approximate position can be used todetermine the approximate quantity of product remaining on the shelf. Inan embodiment, the contacts can be spaced closer together near the frontside 806 of the shelf 801 so that more accurate measurements can betaken as the amount of product on the shelf decreases. Alternatively,enough contacts can be used to provide a relatively precise location ofthe pusher 825.

In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 13, the contacts 819,820, 821 and 822 can be mounted to the divider wall 803. As withcontacts 814-818, the activation of one of the contacts 819-822indicates the location or the approximate location of the pusher 825.Locating the contacts along the divider wall 803 can help preventproblems with accidental activation of the contacts by product on theshelf. As with the contacts mounted in the pusher track 802, thedistance between contacts 819-822 can be non-uniform so that greaterprecision is provided as the shelf becomes less full.

In an alternative embodiment similar to the embodiments described above,a shelf management system 900 for detecting and communicating theposition of a pusher assembly on a shelf is depicted in FIG. 14. Theshelf management system 900 may include a pusher assembly 915, a lightassembly, and a control module 940. The pusher assembly 915, lightassembly, and control module 940 may all be secured to a gondola wall905 or similar structure that holds a product 910. The product 910 maybe aligned or arranged along the pusher assembly 915. Additionally, theproduct 910 may be contained in separate product container box 912 asillustrated in FIG. 14.

As depicted, the pusher assembly 915 may include a biasing mechanismsuch as a coil spring. The pusher assembly 915 may include an integraldivider wall 922 and a floor section 920 on one or both sides of thedivider wall 922. The coil spring may be operatively connected orassociated with a pusher 925 and can be used to urge the pusher 925, andthe associated product 910, toward the front side of the shelf. Thepusher assembly 915 may be modular and can include a divider wall or anadditional floor section that fits or mates in place. Additionally,since the present invention has no connection to the pusher assembly915, the present invention may work with any product shelving system.

The light assembly may include a light channel 930 and a lighttransceiver 932. The light transceiver 932 may be one of many lighttransceivers located on the light channel 930. The light transceiver 932may be located behind the product 910 to be measured on a shelf. Thelight transceiver 932 may consist of a light transmitter 934 and a lightsensor 936. The light transmitter 934 is configured to send a lightsignal 935 towards the pusher 925, while the light sensor 936 isconfigured to receive the light signal 935 from the pusher 925. In analternative embodiment, the light transmitter 934 and the light sensor936 may be the same component as part of the light transceiver 932. Thespacing of the light transmitters 934 and the light sensors 936 on thelight channel 930 may ensure that at least one light transmitter 934 andone light sensor 936 is focused on or sees every pusher 925.Additionally, the light channel 930 may include an electronic connection938.

Without departing from this invention, the light assembly may utilizeone of many different types of light, with one type of light beingutilized is in the “infrared spectrum.” For example, the light assemblycould include an infrared (IR) transceiver, wherein the IR transceivermay consist of an IR transmitter and an IR sensor.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the shelf management system 900 may alsoinclude a control module 940. The control module 940 may align with theelectronic connection 938 on the light channel 930 and lock into place.The control module 940 may include a microcomputer. Additionally, thecontrol module 930 may have internal wireless capability withoutdeparting from the invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the product 910 may be pushed forward by thespring-urged pusher 925 or pusher paddle in the shelf management system900. As the product 910 is pushed forward, a light signal 935 istransmitted from the light transmitter 934 found on the light channel930. The light signal 935 may then reflect off the back of the pusherpaddle 925 or the product 910 and then back to the light sensors 936.This information may then be relayed to the control module 940, therebymeasuring the distance to the pusher 925 or the product 910. The lighttransceiver 932 may be controlled by the control module 940 andmicrocomputer connected to the light transceiver 932. The process ofsending the light signal 935 to and from the pusher paddle 925 or theproduct 910 may be taken on a continuous or near continuous basis, suchas a fraction of a second, or may be taken on a periodic basis such as asecond, or 5 seconds.

In an aspect of the invention, the microcomputer in the control module940 may compare the most current position of the pusher 925 with aprevious position of the pusher. The difference in positions of thepusher 925 may result in the microcomputer determining a condition ofthe shelf management system 900. First, the microcomputer may determinethat no activity has occurred since the last reading. Second, themicrocomputer may determine that a normal shopping instance hasoccurred, and if so how many product packages are still being urged bythe pusher 925. Third, if more than a predetermined number of productpackages have been removed in less than a predetermined amount of time,the microcomputer may determine that a potential theft situation is inprogress. Another condition that may be communicated is a low productcondition. For example, the microcomputer may determine a low productcondition if any pusher location is empty of product packages or lessthan a predetermined number of product packages are still being urged bythe pusher 925.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, without departing from the present invention,the shelf management system may include a local audio box 950. Any ofthe conditions described above may be communicated by the microcomputerto the local audio box 950 remotely via wired or wireless communicationdevices to a remote computer, a store public announcement system, a cellphone, a pager, or a remote annuciator. Additionally, without departingfrom the present invention, the shelf management system may include alight annunciator 960. Any of the conditions described above may becommunicated by the microcomputer to the light annunciator 960 remotelyvia wired or wireless means to a remote computer, a store publicannouncement system, a cell phone, a pager, or a remote annunciator. Aninternal wireless capability of the control module 940 may wirelesslytransmit signals to/from a remote location to indicate the condition ofthe shelf management system.

Additionally, for the shelf system 900 illustrated in FIG. 14, thenumber of products aligned on the shelf could be measured. In such anembodiment, the position of the pusher 925 could be used to determinethe amount of product 910 on the shelf without the need to manuallycount the product. For example, the light transceiver 932 transmits thelight signal 935 to the pusher 925 or the product 910. The light signal935 may then be reflected back to the light transceiver 932 to determinethe location of the pusher 925 by measuring and calculating the time toreceive the light signal 935 at the light transceiver 932. When oneproduct is removed, for example by a purchaser, the time to receive thelight signal 935 back at the light transceiver 932 increases aparticular amount. Based on the dimensions of the product 910,specifically the thickness of the product, the control module cancalculate how many products have been removed from the shelf by analgorithm of how fast the light signal is traveling back to the lighttransceiver 932. The control module also can calculate the number ofproducts that remain on the shelf in front of the pusher using in partinformation regarding the shelf dimensions, including the shelf depth.Additionally, the system can be used in an inventory management mode tohelp the retailer determine the number of products for inventorypurposes and restocking in low-stock or no-stock situations. Withoutdeparting from this invention, a user may input the thickness of theproduct 910 as a setting into the control module 940 during the set-upor loading of the product 910 on the shelf. Additionally, withoutdeparting from this invention, the thickness of the product 910 may bedetermined by the control module 940 after taking a number of differentreadings from the system, such as a smart or learning system fordetermining the thickness of the product 910.

The thickness of the product also may be determined by the system whenproducts are initially stocked in the system. The light transceiver 932transmits the light signal 935 to the pusher 925 when no product is onthe shelf. The light signal 935 may then be reflected back to the lighttransceiver 932 to determine the location of the pusher 925 by measuringand calculating the time to receive the light signal 935 at the lighttransceiver 932. When one product is added to the shelf, for example byan employee, the time to receive the light signal 935 back at the lighttransceiver 932 decreases a particular amount. Based on this decrease inthe amount of time, the control module can calculate the thickness ofthe product.

In an alternative embodiment similar to the embodiments described above,FIGS. 15a and 15b illustrate another shelf management system 1000 fordetecting and communicating the position of a pusher assembly on a shelfsimilar to the shelf management system 900 described above andillustrated in FIG. 14. The shelf management system 1000 may include apusher assembly 1015, a laser assembly, and a control module 1040. Thepusher assembly 1015, laser assembly, and control module 1040 may all besecured to a gondola wall 1005 or similar structure that holds a product1010. The product 1010 may be aligned or arranged along the pusherassembly 1015. Additionally, the product 1010 may be contained inseparate product container box 1012 as illustrated in FIG. 15 a.

The pusher assembly 1015 may include a biasing mechanism such as a sheetcoil spring. The pusher assembly 1015 may include an integral dividerwall 1022 and a floor section 1020 on one or both sides of the dividerwall 1022. The sheet coil spring may be operatively connected to apusher 1025 and can be used to urge the pusher 1025, and the associatedproduct 1010, toward the front side of the shelf. The pusher assembly1015 may be modular and can include a divider wall or an additionalfloor section that fits or mates in place.

The laser assembly may include a rear reflector strip 1030 and a singlelight transceiver or laser scanner 1032. The laser scanner 1032 may emitor transmit a laser light or output beam 1035. The laser scanner 1032may include a moving mirror or rotating mirror (not shown) locatedwithin or associated with the laser scanner 1032. Without departing fromthis invention, in place of or in addition to the moving mirror, thelaser scanner 1032 may include an integrated circuit mirror technology,such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) mirrors used in theDigital Light Projector (DLP) field, wherein an array of tinymicroscopic mirrors are used to direct and alter the output beam 1035.The moving mirror may rotate within the laser scanner to alter theoutput beam 1035 being emitted from the laser scanner 1032. Thetransmission and angles of the output beam 1035 may also be altered byother various ways. The moving mirror may be controlled by amicrocomputer within the control module 1040. The moving mirror maydirect the output beam 1035 from the laser scanner 1032 at variousangles, thereby creating a swept beam 1037. The swept beam 1037 may bedirected along the rear reflector strip. An example of a portion of theswept beam 1037 is illustrated in FIG. 15b . The process of transmittingthe swept beam 1037 from the laser scanner 1032 to and from the pusherpaddle 1025 or the product 1010 may be taken on a continuous or nearcontinuous basis, such as a fraction of a second, a second, or 5seconds.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 15a and 15b , the rear reflector strip1030 may include piece-wise linear or smooth fixed mirrors 1034. Thefixed mirrors 1034 may be positioned along the rear reflector strip1030. The fixed mirrors 1034 may be along, parallel or near-parallel tothe path of the swept beam 1037 such that each individual fixed mirror1034 intercepts the output beam 1035 along its swept path (as shown inFIG. 15b ). The fixed mirrors 1034 may also be located along the rearreflector strip 1034 and located behind and essentially perpendicular tothe direction of travel of the pushers 1025 in the shelf managementsystem 1000. Additionally, the rear reflector strip 1030 may include anelectronic connection 1038.

As illustrated in FIG. 15a , the shelf management system 1000 may alsoinclude a control module 1040. The control module 1040 may align withthe electronic connection 1038 on the rear reflector strip 1030 and lockinto place. The control module 1040 may include a microcomputer.Additionally, the control module 1040 may have internal wirelesscapability without departing from the invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15a and 15b , the product 1010 may be pushedforward by the spring-urged pusher 1025 or pusher paddle in the shelfmanagement system 1000. As the product 1010 is pushed forward, the laserscanner 1032 directs the swept beam 1037 along the rear reflector strip1030 at one of the fixed mirrors 1034. The fixed mirror 1034 may thenredirect the output beam 1035 at a preferred angle (such as a rightangle) to the altered path of the output beam 1035 such that the fixedmirror 1034 essentially directs the output beam 1035 to the back of thepusher 1025. The output beam 1035 may then reflect off the back of thepusher 1025 wherein the output beam 1035 then returns back to the laserscanner 1032 for analysis. This information may then be relayed to thecontrol module 1040. The laser scanner 1032 may be configured to measurethe distance to the pusher 1025. The laser scanner 1032 may becontrolled by the control module 1040 and the microcomputer.

The microcomputer in the control module 1040 may compare the mostcurrent position of the pusher 1025 with a previous position. Thedifference in positions of the pusher 1025 may result in themicrocomputer determining a condition of the shelf management system1000. First, the microcomputer may determine that no activity hasoccurred since the last reading. Second, the microcomputer may determinethat a normal shopping instance has occurred, and if so how many productpackages are still being urged by the pusher 1025. Third, if more than apredetermined number of product packages have been removed in less thana predetermined amount of time, the microcomputer may determine that apotential theft situation is in progress. Another condition that may becommunicated is a low product condition. For example, the microcomputermay determine a low product condition if any pusher location is empty ofproduct packages or less than a predetermined number of product packagesare still being urged by the pusher 1025.

As illustrated in FIGS. 15a and 15b , without departing from the presentinvention, the shelf management system 1000 may include a local audioannunciator 1050. Any of the conditions described above may becommunicated by the microcomputer via wired or wireless means to variouscommunication modules, such as: a local or remote audio annunciator1050, a local or remote light annunciator 1060, a remote computer, astore public announcement system, a cell phone, a pager, or an otherremote annuciator. An internal wireless capability of the control module1040 may wirelessly transmit signals to/from a remote location toindicate the condition of the shelf management system.

In another embodiment similar to the embodiments described above, asillustrated in in FIGS. 16a and 16b , a shelf management system 1100 mayinclude one fixed mirror 1134 located along the length of the rearreflector strip 1130. In this embodiment, and as illustrated in FIGS.16a and 16b , the shape of the fixed mirror 1134 may be curved and maybe approximately a parabola shape. Since the laser scanner 1132, themoving mirror, and ultimately the swept beam 1137, are controlled by themicrocomputer or control module 1140, the microcomputer is capable ofdetermining the position of each pusher 1125 on the shelf by knowing andusing the position of the moving mirror at any point in time during thesweeping motion and analyzing the output beam 1135. Additionally, theprocess of transmitting the swept beam 1137 from the laser scanner 1132to and from the pusher paddle 1125 may be taken on a continuous or nearcontinuous basis, such as a fraction of a second, or on a periodic basessuch as a second, or every 5 seconds.

Additionally, the microcomputer may execute an algorithm whichdetermines that multiple readings represent only one wide pusher 1125.This might be the case if readings are taken every 1 inch along thelength of an example 48 inch-long shelf. A product position 1110 infront of a pusher 1125 on the shelf may be six inches wide. Therefore,in this example, five or six readings may be taken across the back ofthe pusher 1125 and product as the mirror sweeps and directs the sweptbeam 1137. If one of the six-inch wide products is removed from thepusher 1125, the microcomputer detects that at least five or six sensingpositions essentially simultaneously changed an equal amount. Themicrocomputer may then be able to determine that all five or sixreadings represent one product width. This can be a learned aspect ofthe shelf management system 1100 which can change as different productsare merchandised on the shelf over time.

In another embodiment similar to the embodiments described above, asillustrated in FIGS. 17a and 17b , a parabolic piece-wise linear mirror1234 with a piece-wise linear approximation of a parabola may beutilized. As illustrated in FIGS. 17a and 17b , a shelf managementsystem 1200 may include a piece-wise parabolic mirror 1234 that may bepositioned along the rear reflector strip 1230. This piece-wiseparabolic mirror 1234 may include multiple linear sections 1233 withmultiple leading edges 1236. The linear sections 1233 may be wide enoughto be easily manufacturable. Additionally, the linear sections 1233 maybe narrow enough so that a shelf filled with the narrowest pushers 1225will have at least one linear mirror section 1233 reflecting the outputbeam 1235 to/from it. As illustrated in FIGS. 17a and 17b , the leadingedge 1236 of each linear mirror section 1233 may include a small flatsection 1239 and an angled leading edge 1236. The small flat section1239 may retro-reflect the swept beam 1237 directly back to the laserscanner 1232, without first allowing it to reflect from the back of apusher 1225. The process of transmitting the swept beam 1137 from thelaser scanner 1132 to and from the pusher paddle 1125 may be taken on acontinuous or near continuous basis, such as a fraction of a second, ora periodic basis such as a second, or 5 seconds.

For example, as specifically illustrated in FIG. 17b , as the beam 1237sweeps, the laser scanner 1232 will see a series of short bright burstsdirected back to the laser scanner 1232, followed by a reflection fromthe angled leading edge 1236. The reflection from the angled leadingedge 1236 indicates the position of a pusher 1225. As the moving mirrorsweeps the beam beyond the edge of the first linear section, the mirrorwill again encounter a small flat section 1239 preceding the secondangled leading edge 1236. These small flat sections 1239 may representcue points on the piece-wise parabolic mirror 1234. These cue points1239 may be interpreted by the microcomputer as ‘cue’ signals 1242.Additionally, these small flat sections 1239 may divide the shelf upinto designated sections that can be analyzed by the microcomputer formovement. Based on the distance and location of the small flat sections1239, the laser scanner 1232 may alert the control module 1240 that anangled leading edge 1236 is about to be encountered and a reading shouldbe taken. In this way, the control module 1240 does not need to have afine level of measurement of the moving mirror position. Additionally,the length of the piece-wise parabolic mirror 1234 can be any length.The control module 1240 may determine the number of pusher positions toread based on the number of cueing signals 1244 it receives between the‘home’ and ‘end’ positions of the swept beam 1237.

Additionally, for the shelf system illustrated in FIGS. 15a-17b , thenumber of products aligned on the shelf could be measured. In such anembodiment, the position of the pusher could be used to determine theamount of product on the shelf without the need to manually count theproduct. For example, the laser scanner sends the output beam to thepusher or the product. The output beam may then be reflected back to thelaser scanner to determine the location of the pusher by measuring andcalculating the time to receive the output beam at the laser scanner.When one product is removed, for example by a purchaser, the time toreceive the output beam back at the laser scanner may increase a setamount. Based on the dimensions of the product, specifically thethickness of the product, the control module can calculate how manyproducts have been removed from the shelf by an algorithm of how fastthe output beam is traveling back to the laser scanner. Withoutdeparting from this invention, the thickness of the product may be asetting or input that can be input into the control module during theset-up of the product on the shelf. Additionally, without departing fromthis invention, the thickness of the product may be determined by thecontrol module after taking a number of different readings from thesystem, such as a smart or learning system for determining the thicknessof the product.

The advantage of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 14-17 b is evidentin several ways. First, the present invention has no connection to thespring-urged pusher system and hence can work with almost any systemcurrently in use. Second, the present invention has no physical movingconnection to the pusher system or the product which precludes thesystem from wearing out or getting dirty and reducing its effectivenessover time or with the number of products sold. Third, the presentinvention can operate from batteries for an extended period of time.RFID inventory systems require relatively high power radio-frequencytransmitters to scan the product on the shelf and cannot operate frombatteries. Fourth, the cost of the system may be amortized over thenumber of products sold from the shelf over a number of years. This costof the system is as opposed to having to justify the cost of anindividual RFID tag on each product package as well as amortizing anexpensive reader system and infrastructure in each product's price.Lastly, the present invention can be programmed to ignore thereplacement of product back onto the shelf as is the case when the shelfis being restocked.

The sensors of the various sensing configurations discussed in the aboveembodiments may output a signal representing the sensed parameter ineither analog or digital format. The analog output may in the form of avoltage or current signal. As one skilled in the art will realize, ananalog-to-digital converter may be utilized to transform the analogsignal to a digital signal for use by a controller or processing device.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope ofthe present invention. It should be understood that the inventiondisclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations oftwo or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from thetext and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitutevarious alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodimentsdescribed herein explain the best modes known for practicing theinvention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize theinvention. The clauses are to be construed to include alternativeembodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

FIGS. 18A-18C depict an alternative implementation of a displaymanagement system 1800. In particular, the display management system1800 comprises a front rail 1802, configured to be removably-coupled toa display surface (not shown). In one example, a display surface maycomprise a shelf structure, and the like. As such, in one example, thefront rail 1802 may be configured to be removably-coupled at a frontedge of a display surface (not shown). However, those of ordinary skillin the art will recognize that the front rail 1802 may beremovably-coupled to a display surface at a position other than an edgeof the display surface, such as at a central portion of a surface, andthe like. In one implementation, the front rail 1802 has a front raillength 1808. Front rail 1802 may be configured such that the front raillength 1808 is parallel to a front edge of a display surface (notshown). Accordingly, the front rail length 1808 may be embodied with anydimensions, without departing from the scope of the disclosuresdescribed herein. As such, the front rail length 1808 may be configuredto fit one or more physical dimensions of a given display surface (notshown).

The display management system 1800 may comprise a pusher 1804. In oneimplementation, pusher 1804 may be generally referred to as a movablemechanism of a display management system, such as display managementsystem 1800. As depicted in FIG. 18B, the pusher 1804 may be configuredto urge one or more display products (not shown) along a floor structure1810 towards a first end 1812 of the floor structure from a second end1814 of the floor structure. Additionally or alternatively, the displaymanagement system 1800 may comprise one or more dividers 1806. As such,a divider 1806, and a divider wall 1803, may be configured to separate afirst group of display products (not shown) associated with a firstpusher 1804 from a second group of display products (not shown)associated with a second pusher on a display surface (not shown). In oneexample, the divider 1806, including the divider wall 1803, the floorstructure 1810, and/or the barrier 1818, may have a divider length 1816.As such, in one implementation, the divider 1806 may be configured to beremovably-coupled to the front rail 1802 such that the front rail length1808 is substantially perpendicular to the divider length 1816. However,those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the displaymanagement system 1800 may be implemented such that the front raillength 1808 may be configured to be positioned at any angle relative tothe divider length 1816, and such that an angle between the front raillength 1808 and the divider length 1816 may not be substantially 90°,and without departing from the scope of the disclosures describedherein.

In one implementation, and as depicted in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the pusher1804 may be urged towards the first end of the floor structure 1812 by acoiled spring 1820. As such, a barrier 1818 may be configured to retainone or more display products (not pictured in FIG. 18A-18C) within thedisplay management system 1800 as the pusher 1804, urged by the coiledspring 1820, exerts a force on the one or more display products to slidethem towards the barrier 1818. Further, the pusher 1804 may beconfigured to slide along the floor structure 1810 without being guidedby one or more rail structures. One or more elements of the displaymanagement system 1800, including the front rail 1802, the pusher 1804,the divider 1806, the divider wall 1803, the floor structure 1810, thecoiled spring 1820, and the barrier 1818, may provide functionalitysimilar to the front rail 580, the pusher 520, the divider 550, thedivider wall 552, the floor 554, the coiled spring 534, and the barrier556, respectively, as described in FIG. 58, FIG. 62, and FIG. 72 of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/444,357, filed 28 Jul. 2014, the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference for any and allnon-limiting purposes.

In one implementation, and as depicted in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the displaymanagement system 1800 may comprise a capacitive sensor 1822. As such,the capacitive sensor 1822 may be configured to output a signal that maybe processed to determine a position of one or more elements of thedisplay management system 1800. In one example, the capacitive sensor1822 may be configured to output a signal that may be processed todetermine a position of the pusher 1804. As such, the capacitive sensor1822 may be utilized to determine a number of display products retainedwithin the display management system 1800.

The capacitive sensor 1822 may be utilized to determine a position ofthe pusher 1804 within the display management system 1800, independentlyof specific geometrical features of the display management system 1800.As such, the systems and methods described herein related to thecapacitive sensor 1822 may be practiced with alternative displaymanagement systems described throughout this paper, as well as U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/444,357, which has been incorporatedherein by reference. In one implementation, the capacitive sensor 1822may be configured to be positioned along the divider length 1816 on thefloor structure 1810, and such that an uncoiled length 1823 of thecoiled spring 1820 makes contact with a portion of the capacitive sensor1822 extending along the divider length 1816. Accordingly, thecapacitive sensor 1822 is described in further detail in relation toFIG. 20.

FIGS. 19A and 19B schematically depict plan views of the displaymanagement system 1800. Accordingly, FIG. 19A schematically depicts thedisplay management system 1800 in a first configuration having a firstplurality of display products 1902 a-1902 f sandwiched between thebarrier 1818 and the pusher 1804. As such, in this depicted firstconfiguration of the display management system 1800, the coiled spring1820 has a first uncoiled length 1904. Turning to FIG. 19B, the displaymanagement system 1800 is depicted in a second configuration having areduced number of display products 1902 a-1902 c contained within thesystem 1800. Consequently, the coiled spring 1820 has a reduced, or asecond, uncoiled length 1906.

In one example, a conductive material (in one example, a metal or alloy)from which the coiled spring 1820 in constructed makes contact with thecapacitive sensor 1822. In one implementation, the extent to which thecoiled spring 1820 makes contact with the capacitive sensor 1822 isproportional to an uncoiled length, such as, in one example, uncoiledlength 1904 or 1906. In turn, an output signal from the capacitivesensor 1822 may vary based upon a length of the coiled spring 1820 incontact with the capacitive sensor 1822. In another example, a positionof the pusher 1804 may be detected based on a point of contact of aportion of the coiled spring 1820 with the capacitive sensor 1822.Accordingly, an output signal from the capacitive sensor 1822 may varybased upon a position of the pusher 1804, and correspondingly, a numberof display products (1902 a-1902 f) retained within the displaymanagement system 1800.

FIG. 20A schematically depicts a detailed view of a capacitive sensor1822. In one implementation, the capacitive sensor 1822 comprises acircuit board 2002, the circuit board 2002 having a longitudinal length2016. As schematically depicted in FIGS. 18A-18C, the capacitive sensor1822 may be coupled to a floor structure 1812 of a divider 1806, andsuch that the longitudinal length 2016 of the capacitive sensor 1822 issubstantially parallel to the divider length 1816. The capacitive sensor1822 may be configured to be retrofitted into a display managementsystem 1800, such that all electronic components associated withcapacitive sensor 1822 may be self-contained on the circuit board 2002.In one example, the capacitive sensor 1822 may comprise a plurality ofcapacitive sensor elements 2004 a-2004 f. As such, those of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize that the capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004 f depicted in FIG. 20A merely represent one exampleimplementation of the capacitive sensor 1822, and various alternativeimplementations of capacitive sensor 1822 may be realized, having adifferent number of capacitive sensor elements to those capacitivesensor elements 2004 a-2004 f depicted in FIG. 20A.

In one example, the capacitive sensor 1822 may be configured to output asignal proportional to a capacitance value, and such that thecapacitance value may be based upon an uncoiled length (e.g. uncoiledlengths 1904 and 1906) of the coiled spring 1820. In one example, thecontrol circuit 2006 comprises electronic elements configured tocalculate one or more capacitance values associated with the capacitivesensor elements 2004 a-2004 f. In another implementation, the controlcircuit 2006 may be referred to as a transmitter circuit, and configuredto transmit one or more data points received from the capacitive sensorelements 2004 a-2004 f to a remote processor, such as the displaymanagement system controller device 2400 from FIG. 24. In anotherexample, one or more calculated capacitance values may vary based upon alength of a conductor in contact with the circuit board 2002. As such,the one or more calculated capacitance values may vary based upon anuncoiled length of the coiled spring 1820, such as those uncoiledlengths 1904 and 1906 depicted as examples in FIGS. 19A and 19B. In yetanother example, a capacitance value may vary based on a point ofcontact of a portion of the coiled spring 1820 with the circuit board2002. In one specific example, the control circuit 2006 may beconfigured to calculate a value of capacitance between one or moresuccessive pairs of capacitive sensor elements, selected from thecapacitive sensor elements 2004 a-2004 f Accordingly, a value ofcapacitance calculated between a pair of capacitive sensor elements,selected from the capacitive sensor elements 2004 a-2004 f may change ifone or more of the pair of capacitive sensor elements comes into contactwith a portion of an uncoiled length of the coiled spring 1820. As such,a change in capacitance between successive pairs of the capacitivesensor elements 2004 a-2004 f may be utilized to indicate a position ofthe pusher 1804. As such, one or more of the capacitive sensor elements2004 a-2004 f may comprise an exposed electrically-conducting structureconfigured to contact a portion of the electrically-conducting uncoiledlength of coiled spring 1820. In another example, the capacitive sensorelements 2004 a-2004 f may comprise one or more insulating materials,but still allow for a capacitance between successive pairs of thecapacitive sensor elements 2004 a-2004 f to be detected.

In one implementation, the circuit board 2002 may comprise asubstantially insulating material configured to electrically insulatethe capacitive sensor elements 2004 a-2004 f from one another. Further,the capacitive sensor elements 2004 a-2004 f may be connected to thecontrol circuit 2006 by electrical conductors (not depicted in FIG.20A). In one example, a pair of capacitive sensor elements, selectedfrom the capacitive sensor elements 2004 a-2004 f, may be separated by aseparation distance 2018. Accordingly, in one implementation, theseparation distance 2018 may be uniform between each pair of capacitivesensor elements, selected from the capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004 f, or may be non-uniform, such that a first separation distance2018 may be different from a second separation distance 2020. Further,those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that separationdistances 2018 and 2020 may be embodied with any dimensions, withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosures described herein. Forexample, the separation distances 2018 and 2020 may range from amillimeter or less to several hundred millimeters or more, and the like.

In one example, a separation distance, such as separation distance 2018and/or 2020, between a pair of capacitive sensor elements, selected fromcapacitive sensor elements 2004 a-2004 f, may determine a resolution ofthe capacitive sensor 1822. As such, a resolution of the capacitivesensor 1822 may be proportional to a precision with which the capacitivesensor 1822 can determine a location of a pusher, such as pusher 1804.In particular, as a number of capacitive sensor elements, such ascapacitive sensor elements 2004 a-2004 f, is increased, the precisionwith which the capacitive sensor 1822 can determine the location of apusher on the floor structure 1810 may also increase.

In one implementation, the capacitive sensor 1822 may be utilized tocalculate an absolute location of the pusher 1804 on the floor structure1810. As such, the location of the pusher 1804 may not be calibratedbased upon a zeroed position on the floor structure 1810. Accordingly, alocation of pusher 1804 may not be determined relative to anotherlocation on the capacitive sensor 1822, and the like.

In yet another implementation, the control circuit 2006 may be utilizedto calculate a position of the pusher 1804 on the capacitive sensor 1822using interpolation methodology. In particular, the control circuit 2006may receive signals (otherwise referred to as sensor data) from multiplecapacitive sensor elements, from the capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004 f, and by processing the received signals, determine that thelocation of the pusher 1804 lies between a pair of the capacitive sensorelements, selected from capacitive sensor elements 2004 a-2004 fSpecifically, the control circuit 2006 may be utilized to interpolate acloseness of a pusher 1804 to a first capacitive sensor element versus asecond, adjacent, capacitive sensor element. In this way, those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that the capacitive sensor 1822may be implemented, in one example, using a single pair of capacitivesensor elements 2004 spaced apart between the first end 1812 and thesecond end 1814 of the floor structure 1810.

FIG. 20B schematically depicts a more detailed view of the controlcircuit 2006. In particular, and in one example, the control circuit2006 comprises a power supply 2008, a memory 2010, an interface 2012,and a processor 2014. In one implementation, the memory 2010, interface2012, and processor 2014 may be embodied as a single microcontrollercircuit, or may be implemented as discrete electronic elements. In oneexample, the power supply 2008 may represent a source of electricalenergy provided by one or more electrochemical cells, otherwise referredto simply as a cell or as a battery. In one specific example, powersupply 2008 may be implemented as a single “button cell” or “coin cell.”In another example, power supply 2008 may be a rechargeable or anon-rechargeable battery. In another example, power supply 2008 mayrepresent electronic hardware configured to receive, and potentially tocondition (rectify AC to DC, and/or step-up/step-down a voltage,smoothen, among others) a wired electrical supply. In yet anotherexample, power supply 2008 may represent electronic hardware configuredto receive, and potentially to condition, a power supply received froman external source wirelessly, such as by electromagnetic induction(electrodynamic induction, electrostatic induction, and the like). Inanother implementation, power supply 2008 may comprise one or morephotovoltaic (solar cells). Further, those of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that power supply 2008 may represent any technology, orcombination of technologies, configured to provide electrical power tothe control circuit 2006, without departing from the scope of thedisclosures described herein. Similarly, power supply 2008 may beconfigured to store any amount of energy (J), and/or to provide anelectrical potential (voltage (V)), or an electrical current (A) of anyvalue, without departing from the scope of the disclosures describedherein.

Memory 2010 may be a form of persistent memory, or a form of volatilememory, or a combination thereof. As such, memory 2010 may comprise aform of random access memory (RAM) that is cleared by a power cycle orother reboot operation of the control circuit 2006. In otherembodiments, memory 2010 may be non-volatile, such that it does notrequire power from power supply 2008 to maintain information. As such,memory 2010 may comprise a form of read only memory (ROM), or flashmemory. Generally, memory 2010 may be referred to as a form of anon-transitory, computer-readable medium and utilized to storeinstructions that may be executed by processor 2014.

Interface 2012 may comprise hardware and/or firmware configured tofacilitate communication between the control circuit 2006 and one ormore external devices. For example, interface 2012 may be utilized tofacilitate communication between processor 2014 and an external computerdevice across a network. In this way, interface 2012 may be configuredto communicate via one or more of a wired connection, such as utilizingan Ethernet connection, or a wireless connection, such as utilizing aBluetooth connection, a Wi-Fi connection, or the industrial, scientific,and medical (ISM) radio bands. Interface 2012 may be configured tofacilitate communication between the control circuit 2006 and any wiredor wireless link or network, and using any communication protocol.

In one implementation, processor 2014 comprises a microprocessor havingone or more processing cores. As such, processor 2014 may be configuredto execute instructions stored within memory 2010. Further, one or moreprocesses executed by processor 2014 may be utilized to drive one ormore electrical circuits associated with the circuit board 2002 and theplurality of capacitive sensor elements 2004 a-2004 f. Additionally,processor 2014 may be configured to receive and process, via interface2012, one or more sensor readings from the plurality of capacitivesensor elements 2004 a-2004 f. In one specific example, a capacitivesensor element, from the plurality of capacitive sensor elements 2004a-2004 f may be configured to output an analog signal (voltage, current,and the like) or a digital signal (for example, a binary signal, amongothers).

In one example, one or more signals communicated from the plurality ofcapacitive sensor elements 2004 a-2004 f may be received by processor2014. In turn, the processor 2014 may execute one or more processes onthe received signals before communicating, via the interface 2012, thereceived signals to a remote processor, such as that processor 2404associated with the display management system controller device 2400described in FIG. 24. These one or more processes may includedetermining that a received signal is above a threshold value,compressing the received signals for communication, or filtering thereceived signals, among others. Accordingly, in this example, theprocessor 2404 of the display management system controller device 2400may calculate one or more capacitance values as previously described inrelation to FIG. 20A, and further calculate a position of a pusher 1804on a display management system 1800. In another example, one or moresignals communicated from the plurality of capacitive sensor elements2004 a-2004 f may be processed by processor 2014 to calculate the one ormore capacitance values as previously described in relation to FIG. 20A.In turn, the calculated capacitance values may be utilized to calculatethe location of the pusher 1804 on the display management system 1800.In yet another example, a combination of processor 2014 and processor2404 may be utilized to determine a location of a pusher 1804, and thelike.

In one implementation, control circuit 2006 may be configured tocommunicate directly with a mobile device. As such, in one specificexample, control circuit 2006 may be configured to establish a Bluetoothconnection with a smart phone or tablet of a shopper in a store in orderto receive one or more pieces of biographic information associated withthe shopper. In this way, upon activation of pusher 1804 as one or moredisplay products, such as display products 1902 a-1902 f, are removedfrom the display management system 1800, the control circuit 2006 may beconfigured to query a mobile device of a user removing the one or moredisplay products to receive one or more pieces of biographic informationassociated with the user. The biography information may include, amongothers, a name, a gender, a preferred spoken language, an age, or anapproximate age range. In another implementation, upon activation of thepusher 1804 as one or more display products are removed from the displaymanagement system, the control circuit 2006 may be configured tocommunicate with the display management system controller device 2400.In turn, the display management system controller device 2400 mayattempt to establish a connection (via Bluetooth, and the like) to amobile device associated with a user removing said one or more displayproducts.

In one example, the capacitive sensor 1822 may be configured to operatewithin a low power mode until the pusher 1804 is moved as a result ofone or more display products, such as display products 1902 a-1902 f, orremoved from the display management system 1800. In particular, this lowpower mode may include processor 2014 operating in a low powerconfiguration that continuously monitors the sensor outputs from thecapacitive sensor elements 2004 a-2004 f Accordingly, in this example,the processor 2014 may execute one or more processes to enter a highpower configuration upon receiving one or more sensor signals indicativeof movement of the pusher 1804. Specifically, the high powerconfiguration may include executing one or more processes to deliveradditional electrical power to memory 2010, interface 2012, and/orprocessor 2014 in order to execute additional processes on the receivedsensor data and/or communicate the received sensor data to a remoteprocessor. In this way, the capacitive sensor 1822 may be configured toconsume a reduced amount of electrical energy while the pusher 1804remains stationary. As such, this low power configuration may beutilized to prolong a battery life associated with power supply 2008. Inanother example, the capacitive sensor 1822 may be configured to operatewithin a low power configuration while the pusher 1804 remainsstationary, and such that the low power configuration deliverselectrical energy to one or more of the plurality of capacitive sensorelements 2004 a-2004 f Accordingly, in response to motion of the pusher1804, one or more of the capacitive sensor elements 2004 a-2004 f may beconfigured to communicate a wake signal to the control circuit 2006 inorder to enter a high power configuration. As such, the wake signal maybe received by the control circuit 2006, and in response, additionalpower may be delivered to one or more of the memory 2010, interface2012, and/or processor 2014. In this way, maintaining the capacitivesensor 1822, and in particular, the control circuit 2006, within a lowpower configuration for a period of time during which the pusher 1804 isstationary may allow for decreased overall energy consumption, and inone example, increased battery life of the capacitive sensor 1822.

FIGS. 21A and 21B depict an alternative implementation of a displaymanagement system 2100. In particular, FIG. 21A depicts an isometricview of a display management system 2100 configured as a box-shelf. Inparticular, the box-shelf display management system 2100 comprises a top2102 and two sides 2104 that can be connected together to form part of ahousing 2106. A recessed portion 2108 is provided so that in the eventthat the box-shelf display management system 2100 is mounted under ashelf (not shown), the recessed portion 2108 will aid in ensuring thatthere is no interference with the brackets that support the shelf orother structure that may extend downward (not shown). One or more shelfsupports 2110 are mounted to the box-shelf display management system2100 to facilitate the box-shelf display management system 2100 to bemounted to a vertical support (not shown) in a traditional manner.

A slidable shelf 2112 is mounted to one or more tracks 2114, which maybe supported at least in part by the sides 2104. As depicted, theslidable shelf 2112 may include a support surface 2116 that supports adivider 2118. In one example, the support surface 2116 may support oneor more display management systems, such as systems 1800 describedpreviously. In one implementation, the support surface 2116 includes arail 2120 mounted to the front of the shelf 2112. The rail, in turn,supports a retainer 2122. As depicted, a door 2124 with one or morehandles 2126 may be mounted to the top 2102 via a hinge system 2128. Inanother implementation, the door 2124 may be referred to as a flipwindow 2124, and such that the flip window 2124 may be partially orwholly transparent to visible light. In this way, flip window 2124 mayfacilitate viewing of one or more display products within the box-shelfdisplay management system 2100. In one specific example, the box-shelfdisplay management system 2100 may be similar to the box-shelf 3405described in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/046,385 filed 4 Oct. 2013, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,167,913, the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference for any and all non-limiting purposes. It is furthercontemplated that the display management system 3400, described inrelation to FIG. 34, may be used in combination with any of the systemsdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,167,913, or with a system that includesdoor 2124 or window 2124, or combinations thereof.

In one implementation, the box-shelf display management system 2100 maybe configured to retain one or more display products, such as displayproducts 1902 a-1902 f schematically depicted in FIG. 19A. Accordingly,in one configuration, the box-shelf display management system 2100positions the slidable shelf 2112 within the housing 2106. As such, inorder to remove one or more display products (not shown in FIG. 21A)from the box-shelf display management system 2100, a user may rotate theflip window 2124 from a substantially vertical position (depicted inFIG. 21B to a substantially horizontal position depicted in FIG. 21A).

In one implementation, the box-shelf display management system 2100 maybe configured with a sensor 2130. In particular, sensor 2130 may be anaccelerometer. Further, the accelerometer sensor 2130 may be sensitiveto accelerations (due to gravity or otherwise) along a single axis(one-axis accelerometer), along two mutually-perpendicular axes (a2-axis accelerometer), or along three mutually-perpendicular axes (a3-axis accelerometer). Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizevarious specific implementations of one-axis, two-axis and three-axisaccelerometer electronic circuits that may be utilized with thebox-shelf display management system 2100, or other display managementsystems, such as systems 1800 and 2300, without departing from thedisclosures described herein. Further, those of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that an accelerometer sensor 2130 may be utilized todetermine an orientation of a structure to which it is affixed. As such,accelerometer sensor 2130 from FIG. 21A may be utilized to determine anorientation of the flip window 2124. Advantageously, the accelerometersensor 2130 may offer improved accuracy in determining an orientation ofthe flip window 2124 when compared to one or more alternative sensortechnologies positioned as hinge 2128, wherein a range of motion ofhinge 2128 may be comparatively more limited.

In one implementation, an accelerometer sensor, such as accelerometersensor 2130, may be utilized to determine an orientation of the flipwindow 2124. As such, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the accelerometer sensor 2130 may be located on the flip window2124 at any location configured to move in conjunction with the movementof the flip window 2124, without departing from the scope of thedisclosures described herein. Additionally, those of ordinary skill inthe art will recognize that the accelerometer sensor 2130 may begenerally utilized to determine an orientation of a flip window, similarto flip window 2124, as part of any display management system. As such,display management system 2100, having flip window 2124, is merely oneexample of a display management system with which an accelerometersensor 2130 may be utilized. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in theart will readily recognize various additional or alternativeimplementations of a display management structure similar to the housing2106 having a movable feature similar to the flip window 2124 that isconfigured to be moved in order to remove one or more products from thedisplay management structure. In turn, the accelerometer sensor 2130 maybe coupled to a movable feature of the various additional or alternativeimplementations of display management structures that may be envisionedby those of ordinary skill in the art.

In one example, accelerometer sensor 2130 may be implemented as part ofan integrated accelerometer device, as schematically depicted in FIG.22A. As such, the integrated accelerometer device 2130 may comprise anaccelerometer circuit board 2200, a power supply 2202, and an interface2203. Accordingly, and as previously described, those of ordinary skillthe art will recognize various specific accelerometer circuits that maybe implemented as the accelerometer circuit board 2200, withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosures described herein. In oneexample, power supply 2202 may be configured to provide electricalenergy to the accelerometer circuit board 2200 and the interface 2203.As such, the power supply 2202 may be similar to power supply 2008, andmay be embodied as a wired electrical supply, one or more batteries,hardware configured to accommodate wireless transmission of electricalenergy, or combinations thereof. In another example, interface 2203 maybe similar to interface 2012, and such that interface 2203 may beconfigured to communicate one or more acceleration signals from theaccelerometer sensor 2130 via a wired or wireless network.

In one implementation, the integrated accelerometer device 2130 may beconfigured to output one or more sensor signals (otherwise referred toas motion data) indicative of an orientation of the flip window 2124. Inone example, the one or more sensor signals may comprise an analog or adigital signal indicative of an acceleration along one or more of theaxes to which the integrated accelerometer device 2130 is sensitive.Accordingly, in one example, the sensor signal output from theintegrated accelerometer device 2130 may be as a result of anacceleration due to gravity resolved along one, two, or three mutuallyperpendicular axes (x-, y-, and/or z-axis) to which the integratedaccelerometer device 2330 is sensitive. In one example, the integratedaccelerometer device 2130 is configured to communicate a sensor signal(otherwise referred to as motion data) via the interface 2203 to acontrol circuit, such as control circuit 2006 depicted in FIG. 22B. Assuch, in one implementation, communication between the control circuit2006 and the integrated accelerometer device 2130 may be via a hardware(wired) connection. However, communication between the control circuit2006 and the integrated accelerometer device 2130 may be, additionallyor alternatively, via a wireless connection. As such, an output signalfrom the integrated accelerometer device 2130 may be processed andutilized in a similar manner to a sensor output from the capacitivesensor 1822 previously described. In another implementation, a sensoroutput from the integrated accelerometer device 2130 may be communicateddirectly to a display management system controller device 2400,described in further detail in relation to FIG. 24.

In one example, accelerometer sensor (otherwise referred to as anintegrated accelerometer device) 2130 may be configured to operate in alow power configuration while a movable structure to which theaccelerometer sensor 2130 is coupled remains stationary. As such, theaccelerometer sensor 2130 may be configured to operate in this low powerconfiguration while an output from the accelerometer circuit board 2200is unchanging (indicative of, in one example, the flip window 2124remaining at a fixed orientation). Accordingly, upon detection of motionof the flip window 2124, one or more of the accelerometer circuit board2200, the control circuit 2006, and/or the display management systemcontroller device 2400 may be configured to implement a high powerconfiguration. As such, this high power configuration may be configuredto execute one or more processes in response to movement of the flipwindow 2124, wherein movement of the flip window 2124 may be indicativeof one or more display products, such as display products 1902 a-1902 f,being removed from a display management system, such as system 2100,1800, and/or 2300.

FIG. 23 depicts an alternative implementation of a display managementsystem 2300. In particular, FIG. 23 depicts a spiral peg hook securitydevice 2301. As such, the spiral peg hook security device 2301 maycomprise a front structure 2314, rigidly-coupled to a back structure2306 by a support rail 2308. Further, the back structure 2306 maycomprise one or more coupling elements (not shown) configured toremovably-couple the spiral peg hook security device 2301 to a surface2312. In one example, surface 2312 may be similar to the gondola wall905 described in relation to FIG. 14. However, those of ordinary skillthe art will recognize that surface 2312 may comprise any supportstructure configured to receive one or more coupling elements (notshown) of the spiral peg hook security device 2301. In oneimplementation, the spiral peg hook security device 2301 comprises aknob 2304, rotatably-coupled to the front structure 2314, and configuredto rotate about the center axis of bearing 2316. Additionally, the frontstructure 2340 may be configured to receive one or more labelsassociated with one or more display products supported by the spiral peghook security device 2301.

In one example, upon application of a manual rotational force to theknob 2304 in a first direction (e.g. that direction indicated by arrow2318), spiral rail 2302 may be configured to rotate about the centeraxis of bearing 2316. In turn, based upon the rotation of the spiralrail 2302, one or more display products supported by (hanging from)support rail 2310 may be urged by the spiral rail 2302 towards the frontstructure 2314. Conversely, upon application of a manual rotationalforce to the knob 2304 in a second direction (e.g. a direction oppositeto by arrow 2318), spiral rail 2302 may be configured to urge one ormore display products hanging from support rail 2310 towards the backstructure 2306.

In one example, the spiral peg hook security device 2301 may beconfigured to display one or more products within a store. As such, inone embodiment, the spiral peg hook security device 2301 may be utilizedto prevent multiple products that are supported by support rail 2310from being quickly removed from the spiral peg hook security device2301. In this way, the spiral peg hook security device 2301 may beutilized to deter theft of one or more products hanging from supportrail 2310, due to the extended time needed to rotate knob 2304 andspiral rail 2302 in order to remove the one or more products from thedevice 2301.

In one implementation, an accelerometer sensor 2130 may be utilized withthe display management system 2300 in order to detect motion of the knob2304 and/or spiral rail 2302. As previously described, the spiral rail2302 may be rotated in order to insert and/or remove one or more displayproducts from the display management system 2300. In this way, theaccelerometer sensor 2130 may be coupled to a structure that isconfigured to rotate upon application of a manual force to knob 2304. Inone specific example, the accelerometer sensor 2130 may be coupledwithin a structure of the knob 2304, as schematically depicted in FIG.23. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizeadditional or alternative placement options for the accelerometer sensor2130 that may be utilized without departing from the scope of thedisclosures described herein. In one example, a change in a sensoroutput from the accelerometer sensor 2130 as the spiral rail 2302 isbeing rotated may be utilized by one or more of the accelerometercircuit board 2200, the control circuit 2006, and/or the displaymanagement system controller device 2400, to track the rotation of thespiral rail 2302, and thus, determine a number of display productsinserted onto/removed from the display management system 2300.

Similar to the display management system 2100, display management system2300 may utilize the accelerometer sensor 2130 to detect motion, and inresponse, execute one or more processes. In one example, a motion of thespiral rail 2302 may execute one or more processes to transition theaccelerometer sensor 2130 from a low power configuration into a highpower configuration, as described previously.

FIG. 24 schematically depicts a sensor network 2401 configured toimplement one or more inventory management, security, and/or recognitionfunctions in combination with one or more display management systems,such as systems 1800, 2100, and 2300, among others. In particular, thesensor network 2401 comprises a display management system controllerdevice 2400. Accordingly, the display management system controllerdevice 2400 may comprise a memory 2402. As such, memory 2402 may be aform of persistent or volatile memory, or combinations thereof. In thisway, memory 2402 may comprise a form of random access memory (RAM) thatis cleared by a power cycle or other reboot operation of the device2400. In other embodiments, memory 2402 may be non-volatile, such thatit does not require power to maintain information. As such, memory 2402may comprise a form of read only memory (ROM), or flash memory, amongothers. Generally, memory 2402 may be referred to as a form of anon-transitory, computer-readable medium and utilized to storeinstructions that may be executed by processor 2404. Additionally,device 2400 may comprise an interface 2406, wherein interface 2406 isconfigured with hardware and supporting firmware that allow device 2400to connect to network 2408. Further, device 2400 may comprise aprocessor 2404, wherein processor 2404 may comprise a microprocessorhaving one or more processing cores. As such, processor 2404 may beconfigured to execute instructions stored within memory 2402.

Generally, the display management system controller device 2400 may beconfigured to execute one or more processes in response to receivingsensor information from one or more of a capacitive sensor 1822 (viacontrol circuit 2006), or from an accelerometer sensor 2130 (directly,or via control circuit 2006). In one example, communication between oneor more of the control circuit 2006, the accelerometer sensor 2130, andthe display management system controller device 2400 may beunidirectional, or may be bi-directional. In one implementation, thedisplay management system controller device 2400 may be referred to as aremote processor, and may be positioned remotely from one or moredisplay management systems (1800, 2100 and/or 2300) to which one or moresensors (1822, 2130) are attached for detection of motion indicative ofone or more display products being removed. As such, a distance betweenthe display management system controller device 2400 and one or moresensors with which it may be in communication may be any given distance,without departing from the scope of the disclosures described herein.For example, the display management system controller device 2400 may bepositioned within a same geographic location (in one example, a samestore) as the one or more sensor devices with which the displaymanagement system controller device 2400 is in communication. In anotherexample, the display management system controller device 2400 may bepositioned at a different geographic location to one or more displaymanagement systems (e.g. 1800, 2100, and/or 2300) with which the device2400 in communication via network 2408.

In one implementation, the display management system controller device2400 may be configured to calculate a position of a pusher 1804, a flipwindow 2124, and/or a spiral rail 2302. Accordingly, the displaymanagement system controller device 2400 may be configured to calculatea number of display products removed from one or more display managementsystems (e.g. 1800, 2100, and/or 2300) based upon detected motion of oneor more pushers 1804, flip windows 2124, and/or spiral rails 2302.

In one specific example, the display management system controller device2400 may be configured to determine a number of display products removedfrom the display management system 1800 based upon comparison of a firstposition of a pusher 1804 with a second position of said pusher 1804. Inparticular, processor 2404 may calculate a distance moved by pusher1804, and execute one or more processes to consult a lookup table(stored, for example, in memory 2402) for a depth dimension associatedwith a plurality of products held within the display management system1800. As such, processor 2404 may determine a product type held withindisplay management system 1800 based upon information input by a user,or information sensed by one or more sensors 2410 (e.g. by scanning abarcode on the one or more products, or detecting a RFID signalassociated with the one or more products within the display managementsystem 1800, among others). In this way, upon receiving, from a lookuptable within memory 2402, a depth dimension of a product held within thedisplay management system 1800, and having calculated a distance movedby the pusher 1804, the processor 2404 may determine a number ofproducts removed from the display management system 1800. Similarly, theprocessor 2404 may be utilized to determine a number of productsinserted into a display management system 1800 (e.g. during a restockingprocess, and the like).

In another example, the display management system controller device 2400may infer a depth dimension of a product type stored within a displaymanagement system 1800. In particular, without having informationavailable within a lookup table stored in memory 2402, processor 2404may determine a depth dimension of a product based upon one or morediscrete motions of the pusher 1804. Specifically, after repeatedinstances of products being removed from the display management system1800, processor 2404 may execute one or more processes to recognize aconsistent distance moved by pusher 1804, and from this recognizeddistance, infer a depth dimension of a product to be utilized indetermining a number of products removed from the display managementsystem 1800 in response to future movements of pusher 1804.

Accordingly, the display management system controller device 2400 may beconfigured to execute one or more processes based upon informationreceived from one or more control circuits, such as control circuit2006, or accelerometer sensors, such as accelerometer sensor 2130. Inaddition, the display management system controller device 2400 may beconfigured to communicate with device 2410. In one example, device 2410may comprise a camera, a speaker, a microphone, a proximity sensor, amotion sensor, an ambient light sensor, or an electronic display, amongmany others. In one specific example, the display management systemcontroller device 2400 may be configured to display, on an electronicdisplay device 2410, a message associated with one or more productsstored within a display management system (e.g. system 1800, 2100, or2300).

The display management system controller device 2400 may be configuredto communicate with one or more mobile devices, such as mobile device2412. As such, communication between the display management systemcontroller device 2400 and one or more of a control circuit 2006, anaccelerometer sensor 2130, device 2410, and/or mobile device 2412 may bevia a network 2408. In turn, network 2408 may be a wired or wirelessnetwork that may utilize any communication protocol. As such, network2408 may be the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local areanetwork (LAN), or a Bluetooth connection, among many others. In onespecific example, network 2408 may utilize one or more bands of theindustrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio bands.

In one implementation, the display management system controller device2400 may execute one or more processes to receive and store one or morepieces of biographic information associated with a user, such as a userremoving one or more display products from one or more displaymanagement systems (e.g. 1800, 2100, and/or 2300) in communication withthe device 2400. In one example, the display management systemcontroller device 2400 may receive one or more pieces of biographicinformation associated with the user, and received from a mobile device2412 carried by the user. Specifically, the mobile device 2412 maycomprise a smart phone or tablet carried by a user, and configured tocommunicate with the display management system controller device 2400via one or more of a Bluetooth connection, an NFC connection, or a Wi-Ficonnection, among others.

In one implementation, the display management system controller device2400 may execute one or more processes to receive data from anadditional sensor 2410, in response to receiving motion data from one ormore sensors (e.g. one or more sensors 1822 and/or 2130) associated withone or more display management systems (e.g. 1800, 2100, and/or 2300).In one specific example, the display management system controller device2400 may communicate with a camera device 2410, and execute one or morefacial recognition processes to determine, in one example, an identityof a customer from a database of customers who are members of a storeloyalty program. In another example, the display management systemcontroller device 2400 may communicate with the camera device 2410, andexecute one or more facial recognition processes to determine one ormore points of information associated with a user removing the one ormore products from the display management systems from which motion datais received. This information may include a gender and/or an approximateage range of the user removing the one or more products from the displaymanagement systems from which motion data is received. In this way, thedisplay management system controller device 2400 may be utilized tocollect shopper behavior information that may be utilized to planproduct displays within a store, to determine a popularity of a givenproduct for a given age range, and/or gender, and the like.

In yet another implementation, the display management system controllerdevice 2400 may execute one or more processes to recognize one or morepatterns from the data received from sensors associated with motion ofone or more display management systems (e.g. systems 1800, 2100, and/or2300). As such, processor 2404 may receive motion data from a pluralityof sensors (e.g. one or more sensors 1822 and/or 2130), and based uponthe received motion data, determine whether the sensor data represents arecognized pattern (stored in memory 2402) resulting from products beingremoved from the one or more display management systems (e.g. systems1800, 2100, and/or 2300).

In one specific example, the display management system controller device2400 may receive motion data from a single display management system(e.g. system 1800, 2100, or 2300) and determine that the received motiondata represents removal of a plurality of a same product from thedisplay management system. Further, the display management systemcontroller device 2400 may calculate a rate at which products are beingremoved from this display management system. In one example, if a rateat which the products are being removed from this display managementsystem is above a threshold level, the display management systemcontroller device 2400 may determine that the removal of products mayrepresent an attempted theft. In response, the display management systemcontroller device 2400 may execute one or more processes to communicatea warning message to security personnel. In one example, this warningmessage may be communicated as an electronic message delivered vianetwork 2408. Additionally or alternatively, the display managementsystem controller device 2400 may, in response to determining thatmotion data represents a pattern associated with an attempted theft,communicate with a camera device 2410 to capture one or more images of auser of the display management system from which the motion data hasbeen received. In this way, one or more images of a suspected thief maybe recorded. Further, the display management system controller device2400 may, in response to determining that received motion data mayrepresents an attempted theft, execute one or more processes to sound anaudible message and/or siren.

In another example, the display management system controller device 2400may receive sensor data, otherwise referred to as motion data, from aplurality of sensors (e.g. one or more sensors 1822 and/or 2130, amongothers) associated with a plurality of display management systems (e.g.1800, 2100, and/or 2300). Accordingly, the display management systemcontroller device 2400 may execute one or more processes to recognizeone or more patterns from the data received from the sensors. In thisway, the display management system controller device 2400 may determine,in response to a rate at which products are being removed from thedisplay management systems in close proximity to one another within astore being above a threshold rate level, that the received sensor datamay represent an attempted theft. In response, the display managementsystem controller device 2400 may communicate with a camera 2410, orcommunicate a message to security personnel, among others.

In one implementation, the display management system controller device2400 may receive sensor data from an accelerometer sensor 2130 coupledto a flip window 2124. As such, data received from the accelerometersensor 2130 may represent an orientation of the flip window 2124. In oneembodiment, the display management system controller device 2400 may beconfigured to recalibrate a rest position (otherwise referred to as azeroed position) associated with the accelerometer sensor 2130. Inparticular, the processor 2404 may execute one or more processes torecognize that the flip window 2124 is positioned at a specific anglewhen the flip window 2124 is not being moved. As such, this specificangle may not be equal to a 0° angle from a vertical orientation. Inresponse, the processor 2404 may determine that the specific anglerepresents a rest position from which motion of the accelerometer sensor2130 is to be calculated.

In one implementation, the display management system controller device2400 may be configured to postpone one or more processes associated withrecognition of an attempted theft. As such, processor 2404 may executeone or more processes to allow for restocking of one or more displaymanagement systems in communication with the display management systemcontroller device 2400, and the like. In one example, a physical key maybe utilized to disarm communication between a display management system(1800, 2100 and/or 2300) and the display management system controllerdevice 2400. In another example, and electronic communication device(not shown) may be carried by a user restocking one or more of thedisplay management systems in communication with the display managementsystem controller device 2400. As such, the electronic medication devicemay communicate across network 2408 to identify the user as a personengaged in restocking a display management system. In yet anotherexample, one or more security features associated with the displaymanagement system controller device 2400 configured to identifypotential attempted thefts may be temporarily suspended based uponinstructions received by the display management system controller device2400 from a user. In one specific example, this user may be a storemanager, and the like. As such, a temporary suspension may be applied toa subset of display management systems (e.g. one or more of the displaymanagement systems 1800, 2100 and/or 2300) in communication with thedisplay management system controller device 2400.

In yet another example, display management system controller device 2400may be connected to an inventory control system (not shown). As such,information gathered by the display management system controller device2400 related to a number of products removed from one or more displaymanagement systems (e.g. one or more of the display management systems1800, 2100 and/or 2300) may be communicated to an inventory controlsystem such that information related to an inventory held within a storemay be updated in real-time, and the like.

In another example, the display management system controller device 2400may communicate with one or more devices configured to provide dataassociated with one or more display management systems (e.g. one or moreof the display management systems 1800, 2100 and/or 2300), one or moreindividuals within a store (e.g. customers removing one or more productsfrom the display management systems), and/or one or more communicationdevices (e.g. cameras, electronic display screens, microphones, ambientlight sensors, motion sensors, mobile devices, and the like), amongothers. As such, the display management system controller device 2400may communicate with one or more of devices 2006, 2330, 2410, and/or2412. However, in one implementation, communication between one or moreof the devices 2006, 2130, 2410, and/or 2412 may not be using a directnetwork connection. As such, in one example, communication between oneor more of the depicted devices 2006, 2130, 2410, and/or 2412 mayutilize mesh networking methodologies, without departing from the scopeof the disclosures described herein.

FIG. 25 schematically depicts a flowchart diagram of a process 2500 thatmay be executed by a display management system controller device 2400,and in particular, processor 2404. In particular, processor 2404 mayreceive sensor data from one or more sensors (e.g. one or more sensors1822 and/or 2130, among others). In one example, the sensor data may bereceived at block 2502. In response to receiving sensor data, processor2404 may execute one or more processes to determine a source of thereceived sensor data. In one implementation, processor 2404 maydetermine a source of the sensor data at block 2504 of process 2500. Assuch, the processor 2404 may determine a display management systemsource of the received sensor data, such as one or more of displaymanagement systems 1800, 2100, and/or 2300.

Upon determining a source of received sensor data, processor 2404 mayexecute one or more processes to calculate a motion of a mechanism of adisplay management system. In particular, the processor 2404 maycalculate a position of one or more of a pusher 1804, a flip window2124, and/or a spiral rail 2302. From this position information,processor 2404 may calculate a distance moved by one or more of therespective mechanisms (1804, 2124, and/or 2302). As such, these one ormore processes to calculate a motion of a mechanism of a displaymanagement system may be executed at block 2506 in accordance withmotion calculation methods previously described in this document.

Further, process 2500 may calculate a number of products removed fromthe display management system. In particular, processor 2404 may executeone or more processes to infer, or lookup, from a lookup table storedwithin memory 2402, a depth of a product. Using this information,processor 2404 may compare a depth of a product to a distance moved by,in one example, a pusher 1804. In turn, processor 2404 may calculate thenumber of products removed from a display management system 1800.Similarly, processor 2404 may utilize substantially similar processes todetermine a number of products inserted into a display management system1800. Accordingly, this determination of a number of products removedfrom a display management system may be executed at block 2508 ofprocess 2500.

In one example, upon calculation of a number of products removed from adisplay management system, processor 2404 may execute one or moreprocesses to attempt to identify a pattern from the received sensordata. As such, processor 2404 may execute one or more processes toattempt to identify a product removal pattern from one or more displaymanagement systems, such as systems 1800, 2100, and/or 2300. Inparticular, processor 2404 may identify one or more product removalpattern indicative of a potential attempted theft based upon one or moreproduct removal rates being above one or more threshold rate levels,and/or products being removed from a same display management systemand/or multiple display management systems within a predeterminedphysical radius of one another. In one example, processor 2404 mayattempt to identify one or more patterns from received sensor data atblock 2510. Accordingly, decision block 2512 represents one or moreprocesses executed by processor 2404 two check whether one or more oneor more product removal patterns have been found from received sensordata. In one example, if a product removal pattern is identified byprocessor 2404, process 2500 may proceed to block 2516, whereinprocessor 2404 may communicate an alert message. As such, this alertmessage may be an audible message and/or siren emitted by a local audiobox, such as local audio box 950. In another example, this alert messagemay be an electronic message communicated to security personnel within astore, among others. In another example, if a product removal pattern isnot identified by processor 2404, process 2500 may proceed to block2514, and such that display management system controller device 2400 maycommunicate with an external device, such as device 2410 and/or 2412.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart diagram of a process 2600 for calculation of anumber of products removed from a display management system. Inparticular, process 2600 is described based upon sensor data receivedfrom a sensor (e.g. sensors 1822, and/or 2130) configured to outputsignals responsive to a motion of a movable mechanism (pusher 1804, flipwindow 2124, and/or spiral rail 2302, among others) within a displaymanagement system, such as display management system 1800, 2100, and/or2300. In one example, this sensor data may be received at block 2602 ofprocess 2600 by processor 2014. In response, one or more processes maybe executed by processor 2014 to determine a change in the receivedoutput data. In particular, processor 2014 may execute one or moreprocesses to query memory 2010 for a stored sensor value indicative of aprevious output from a same sensor from which the data was received atblock 2602. Accordingly, the processor 2014 may compare the storedsensor value to the new sensor value received from a display managementsystem, and calculate a change in an output from the sensor

In one implementation, and at decision block 2606, the processor 2014may compare the calculated change in the output signal from the sensorto one or more predetermined threshold values. As such, the one or morepredetermined threshold values may represent motion thresholds belowwhich processor 2014 may discard the sensor data received at block 2602.Specifically, if the received sensor data is below the one or morepredetermined threshold values, it may not be as a result of a productremoval from a display management system, and may be due to randommotion/vibration of a store shelf, among others. As such, in oneexample, block 2606 may have the behavior of an electronic filter, amongothers.

In one example, the processor 2014 may execute those processesassociated with blocks 2602 and 2604 while operating in a low powerconfiguration. In this way, assessment of received sensor data may becarried out while consuming a reduced amount of electrical energy, andthereby prolonging, in one example, the battery life of a sensor 1822,and/or 2130. Accordingly, if, at decision block 2606, it is determinedthat the received sensor data does not represent motion of a mechanismof a display management system above one or more threshold values,process 2600 proceeds to block 2608, and the processor 2014 remains in alow power configuration. If, however, it is determined that the receivedsensor data represents a motion of a mechanism of a display managementsystem above the one or more threshold values, process 2600 proceeds toblock 2610, and the processor 2014 may enter a high power configuration.In one example, the high power configuration may include communicationof the sensor data to a remote processor, such as processor 2404. Inanother example, the high power configuration may include execution ofone or more additional processes by the same processor 2014, whereinthese additional processes may consume electrical energy at a higherrate than the processor 2014 consumers in a low power configuration.

In one example, process 2600 includes calculation of a position of amovable mechanism (e.g. pusher 1804, flip window 2124, and/or spiralrail 2302, among others) of a display management system. In particular,this calculation of a position of a movable mechanism of the displaymanagement system may be executed at block 2612. As such, calculation ofa position of a movable mechanism of a display management system mayinclude execution of one or more sub-processes to convert receivedsensor data into an indication of a position of the movable mechanism.Specifically, block 2612 may include execution of one or more processesto convert a value proportional to a capacitance of sensor 1822 into aposition of pusher 1804. Additionally or alternatively, block 2612 mayinclude execution of one or more processes to convert a valueproportional to an acceleration sensed by accelerometer 2130 into aposition of flip window 2124 or spiral rail 2302.

Upon calculation of a position of a movable mechanism of a displaymanagement system, processor 2014 and/or processor 2404 may query alookup table, stored in memory 2010 and/or 2402 for informationassociated with one or more products stored within the displaymanagement system. This information may include a depth dimension of theproduct stored within the display management system. Accordingly, usingthis information, the processor 2014 and/or 2404 may calculate a numberof products removed from the display management system. In particular,processor 2014 and/or 2404 may compare a distance moved by a movablemechanism of the display management system with the specific productdimensions. In one specific example, a distance moved by pusher 1804 maybe divided by a depth dimension of a product stored within the displaymanagement system 1800. In one example, this calculation of a number ofproducts removed from the display management system may be executed atblock 2616.

FIG. 27 depicts another implementation of a display management system2700. The display management system 2700 may be referred to as a peghook system, and comprise a support structure 2702 that has an upperrail 2704 coupled to a lower rail 2706 at a first end 2708. The lowerrail 2706 may be configured to support one or more hanging products (notshown in FIG. 27) that are added to, and removed from, the lower rail2706 at a second end 2710. A label holder 2712 may be pivotably-coupledto a second end 2714 of the upper rail 2704. The display managementsystem 2700 may be configured to be removably-coupled to a surface (notshown) at the first end 2708, such that the support structure 2702 may,in one example, be cantilevered out from a vertical peg hook surface,similar to surface 2312 as depicted in FIG. 23, for example.Accordingly, any coupling mechanism and geometry (peg hooks, and thelike) may be utilized to removably-couple the display management system2700 to a surface. The upper rail 2704 and the lower rail 2706 maycomprise an electrically-conductive structure formed from a metal oralloy, and such that an electrical current may be passed from the secondend 2714 of the upper rail 2704 to the second end 2710 of the lower rail2706.

The label holder 2712 may comprise a display plate 2716 that has a frontsurface 2718 and a back surface 2720. In one example, the front surface2718 of the display plate 2716 may be configured to receive a displaylabel (not shown in FIG. 27). Accordingly, in one example, this displaylabel may be configured to communicate product information (e.g. aproduct name, price, and the like) to a customer in a store, and thelike. The label holder 2712 may also comprise an arm structure 2722 thatis coupled to the back surface 2720 of the display plate 2718. As willbe discussed in further detail below, the arm structure 2722 maycomprise a geometry that prevents more than one product from beingremoved from the lower rail 2706 as the label holder 2712 is pivotedfrom a closed position, as depicted in FIG. 27, to an open position, asdepicted in FIG. 28C. As such, the arm structure 2722 may comprise alower bumper surface 2730 spaced apart from an upper bumper surface 2732to form a channel 2806 therebetween. In one example, the label holder2712 may be formed from one or more injection molding processes of oneor more polymer materials. Additionally or alternatively, the labelholder 2712 may be wholly or partially formed from one or more metals oralloys.

FIGS. 28A-28F depict a sequence of movements of the label holder 2712 asa product 2804 a is removed from the display management system 2700. Assuch, the label holder 2712 may be configured to pivot between a closedposition, as depicted in FIG. 28A, and an open position, as depicted inFIG. 28C. In one example, the arm structure 2722 may be configured toprevent more than one product (e.g. more than one of products 2804 a-c)hanging from the lower rail 2706 from being removed from the displaymanagement system 2700 each time the label holder 2712 is pivoted fromthe closed position depicted in FIG. 28A to the open position depictedin FIG. 28C. Taking each step in turn, FIG. 28A depicts the label holder2712 in a closed position, FIG. 28B depicts the label holder 2712 is apartially-pivoted position with product 2804 a within channel 2806 ofthe arm structure 2722. Accordingly, the geometry of the arm structure2722 is such that only one of the products, from products 2804 a-2804 c,will fit into the channel 2806. FIG. 28C depicts the label holder 2712in a fully-pivoted position. FIG. 28D depicts the label holder 2712 inthe fully-pivoted position after the product 2804 a is removed from thelower rail 2706. Further, FIG. 28E depicts the label holder 2712 in thepartially-pivoted position as it is returned to the closed position, asdepicted in FIG. 28E.

In one example, the display management system 2700 may comprise a sensordevice configured to output data responsive to a motion of the labelholder 2712. As such, FIG. 29 schematically depicts the displaymanagement system 2700 that includes a label holder rotation sensordevice 2902. In one implementation, the label holder rotation sensordevice 2902 may comprise an accelerometer sensor, and may besubstantially similar to sensor 2130, as previously described. Inanother example, the label holder rotation sensor device 2902 may besimilar to the control circuit 2006, as previously described. As such,the label holder rotation sensor device 2902 may comprise a power supplysimilar to power supply 2008, a memory similar to memory 2010, aninterface similar to interface 2012, and a processor similar toprocessor 2014. Accordingly, the label holder rotation sensor device2902 may be configured to receive and process sensor data received fromone or more sensor types, including, among others, accelerometers, forcesensors, capacitance sensors, current sensors (ammeters/galvanometers),and voltage sensors (voltmeters). Accordingly, the label holder rotationsensor device 2902 may be configured to receive sensor data and detect amovement of the label holder 2712. For example, the label holderrotation sensor device 2902 can be configured to measure the angularmovement of the label holder 2712. For example, the label holderrotation sensor device 2902 may be configured to measure a change inangle with a resolution of 10°, 5°, 1°, 0.1° or less. Further, othermeasurement resolutions may be utilized with the angular movement of thelabel holder 2712, without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures. The angular movement of the label holder 2712 may alsomeasure an absolute angle of inclination of the label holder 2712relative to a vertical plane (e.g. relative to gravity), and with aresolution of 10°, 5°, 1°, 0.1° or less. As such, an output from thelabel holder rotation sensor device 2902 may comprise a signal (e.g. anelectronic analog or digital signal), that may be processed to receivean angular value that may correspond to a change in angular rotation ofthe label holder 2712, or an absolute value of inclination/rotation ofthe label holder 2712 (e.g. 14°, 61°, 104° etc.). The label holderrotation sensor device 2902 may, in one example, be positioned within adisplay plate 2716 of the label holder 2712. As such, the label holderrotation sensor device 2902 may comprise a circuit board, or a circuitshielded with a protective covering (e.g. a casing configured to receivethe device 2902). The label holder rotation sensor device 2902 may bereceived into a recess (not depicted) on the front surface 2718 or backsurface 2720 of the display plate 2716. In one example, the label holderrotation sensor device 2902 may be covered within the recess by acovering such that it is not externally visible. A display label,received by the label holder 2712 may, in one example, cover a recessconfigured to receive the label holder rotation sensor device 2902. Inanother example, the label holder rotation sensor device 2902 be may beovermolded within the label holder 2712. The label holder rotationsensor device 2902 may, in another example, be externally visible on orwithin the label holder 2712. The label holder rotation sensor device2902 may be removably-coupled to the label holder 2712, or may berigidly coupled to the label holder 2712. Further, the label holderrotation sensor device 2902 may be coupled to a portion of the labelholder 2712 other than the display plate 2716. For example, the labelholder rotation sensor device 2902 may be coupled to the arm structure2722.

In one implementation, the label holder rotation sensor device 2902 andcan predict certain conditions of the label holder 2712. Specifically,in certain instances, the label holder rotation sensor device 2902 mayexecute one or more processes to detect a pattern from the receivedsensor data which may be indicative of an attempted theft of one or moreproducts from the display management system 2700. For example, the labelholder rotation sensor device 2902 may detect high-frequency movement ofthe label holder 2712 above a threshold frequency (it will be understoodthat any special frequency may be utilized without departing from thescope of these disclosures), which may be indicative of an attemptedtheft. In another example, the label holder rotation sensor device 2902may detect that the whole display management system 2700 has beenremoved from a surface to which it was coupled (not depicted in FIG.29). As such, this detection of a removal of the display managementsystem 2700, which may be detected as a change in orientation from anaccelerometer sensor, may be interpreted as an attempt to steal one ormore products from the display management system 2700. Further, thelabel holder rotation sensor device 2902 may utilize multiple sensors ofdifferent types in combination with one another in order to interpret amovement of the label holder 2712. In other examples, the label holderrotation sensor device 2902 may be utilized for product inventorytracking on the display management system 2700. In particular, forexample, the arm structure 2722, which only allows one product to beremoved from the display management system 2700 at a time, the labelholder rotation sensor device 2902 may recognize each transition of thelabel holder 2712 from a closed position (e.g. as depicted in FIG. 28A)to an open position (e.g. as depicted in FIG. 28C) as indicating aremoval of a single product from the display management system 2700. Inother examples, the label holder rotation sensor device 2902 may beutilized to track product inventory on the display management system2700 utilizing one or more optical sensors to detect one or moreproducts being inserted onto, or removed from, the display managementsystem 2700. Additionally or alternatively, the label holder rotationsensor device 2902 may utilize an RFID sensor to track a number ofproducts being inserted onto or removed from the display managementsystem 2700.

In one example, the label holder rotation sensor device 2902 may includeone or more sensors on an integrated circuit. In another example, thelabel holder rotation sensor device 2902 may receive sensor data from asensor element positioned elsewhere on the display management system2700. For example, FIG. 30 schematically depicts a display managementsystem 3000 similar to display management system 2700, and including thelabel holder 2712 comprising the label holder rotation sensor device2902. In the example depicted in FIG. 30, display management system 3000may also include an additional label holder contact sensor 3002, labelholder contact sensor 3002, which may be configured to make contact withthe second end 2710 of the lower rail 2706 when the label holder 2712 isin the closed position depicted FIG. 30. Label holder contact sensor3002 may be configured to communicate data to label holder rotationsensor device 2902. Further, label holder contact sensor 3002 maycomprise one or more of a force sensor, a capacitance sensor, a voltagesensor, or a current sensor configured to detect contact between labelholder contact sensor 3002 and the second end 2710 of the lower rail2706. Accordingly, the label holder contact sensor 3002 may be removablyor rigidly coupled to a support arm 3003 of the arm structure 2722. Assuch, the label holder contact sensor 3002 may be coupled to the supportarm 3003 by overmolding a portion or all of the label holder contactsensor 3002, by a fastener (such as a one or more screws, rivets, orbolts, or any other fastener known in the art), by an adhesive, by aweld process (including a polymer or a metallic weld), among others.

As will be discussed in further detail below with respect to FIG. 33,the label holder contact sensor 3002 can detect the bending of the lowerrail 2706 to predict a potential theft. Also in certain examples, it iscontemplated that the label holder contact sensor 3002 can beimplemented in conjunction with the label holder rotation sensor device2902 or alone as a lower cost option for predicting potential theftsituations. As such, in one example, the label holder contact sensor3002 may generate an electrical (analog or digital) signal that may becommunicated by a wired or wireless pathway to the label holder rotationsensor device 2902. Further, the label holder rotation sensor device2902 may receive the electrical signal from the label holder contactsensor 2002, and interpret the received signal as indicating that, amongothers, there is contact, partial contact, or no contact between thelabel holder contact sensor 3002 and the second end 2710 of the lowerrail 2706. As such, the label holder rotation sensor device 2902 mayreceive periodic data from the label holder contact sensor 3002 with afrequency (any frequency may be utilized without departing from thesedisclosures e.g. 0.1 Hz, 1 Hz, 60 Hz). In another example, the labelholder contact sensor 3002 may generate a non-periodic, or a continuousoutput signal. Additionally or alternatively, the label holder rotationsensor device 2902 may query the label holder contact sensor 3002 with aperiodicity (any frequency may be utilized without departing from thescope of these disclosures), or with a non-periodic frequency. As such,the label holder contact sensor 3002 may only generate an output signalupon receipt of a query from the label holder rotation sensor device2902.

FIG. 31 schematically depicts another display management system 3100similar display management system 2700, having the label holder 2712comprising the label holder rotation sensor device 2902. In the exampledepicted in FIG. 31, display management system 3100 may also include anupper label holder contact sensor 3104 and a lower label holder contactsensor 3102. In one example, the lower label holder contact sensor 3102may be similar to the label holder contact sensor 3002 with regard toone or more of the functionality and location on the label holder 2712described in relation to the label holder contact sensor 3002.Similarly, the upper label holder contact sensor 3104 may havefunctionality similar to the label holder contact sensor 2002 describedin relation to FIG. 30, but may be removably or rigidly coupled to theback surface 2720 of the display plate 2716. Accordingly, the upperlabel holder contact sensor 3104 and the lower label holder contactsensor 3102 may be configured to make contact with the second end 2714of the upper rail 2704 and the second end 2710 of the lower rail 2706,respectively, when the label holder 2712 is in the closed positiondepicted in FIG. 31. As such, sensors 3102 and 3104 may be configured tocommunicate data to label holder rotation sensor device 2902 or otherdevices as discussed herein. Further, upper label holder contact sensor3104 and the lower label holder contact sensor 3102 may comprise one ormore of a force sensor, a capacitance sensor, a voltage sensor, or acurrent sensor. In one example, contact between the lower label holdercontact sensor 3102 and the second end 2710 of the lower rail 2706, andcontact between the upper label holder contact sensor 3104 and thesecond end 2714 of the upper rail 2704 completes an electrical circuitsuch that an electrical current may be passed through the supportstructure 2702 between sensors 3102 and 3104. As such, detection of anelectrical current at one or more of sensors 3102 and/or 3104 may becommunicated to label holder rotation sensor device 2902 in order todetermine that the label holder 2712 is in a closed position.

FIG. 32 schematically depicts another display management system 3200,similar to display management system 2700. The display management system3200 may include the label holder 2712 comprising the label holderrotation sensor device 2902, and the support structure 2702. The displaymanagement system 3200 may include an upper product contact sensor 3204and a lower product contact sensor 3202. As such, the upper productcontact sensor 3204 and the lower product contact sensor 3202 may beconfigured to make contact with a product (e.g. a product similar toproducts 2804 a-c as schematically depicted in FIG. 28A) as it isinserted onto and/or removed from the lower rail 2706. The sensors 3202and 3204 may comprise force sensors. As such, the sensors 3202 and 3204may utilize piezoelectric elements configured to generate an outputsignal responsive to one or more of the upper product contact sensor3204 and the lower product contact sensor 3202 making contact withanother object, such a product hanging on lower rail 2706 (not depictedin FIG. 32). In one implementation, sensors 3202 and 3204 may be coupledto surfaces 2730 and 2732 of the arm structure 2722 within the channel2806 such that it is likely that a product being removed from, orinserted onto, the lower rail 2706 will make contact with one or more ofthe sensors 3202 and/or 3204. Accordingly, the coupling of the upperproduct contact sensor 3204 and the lower product contact sensor 3202 tosurfaces 2730 and 2732 may be by partial overmolding, by a weldingprocess, or using a fastener, among others. In other implementations,one or more of sensors 3202 and 3204 may comprise a capacitive sensor,an electrical resistance sensor, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, ora proximity sensor, among others. In yet another example the upperproduct contact sensor 3204 and the lower product contact sensor 3202may comprise infra-red sensors. Accordingly, a product may be detectedwithin the channel 2806 upon breaking an infra-red beam between thesensors 3204 and 3202.

In one example, and as schematically depicted in FIGS. 32A-32C, sensors3202 and 3204 can detect a product-removal event (FIG. 32A), anon-removal event (FIG. 32B), or a product-stocking event (FIG. 32C).The combination of the sensors 3202 and 3204 with the label holderrotation sensor device 2902 can help predict these events. Specificallyreferring to FIG. 32A, which shows a product removal event, the sensors3202 and 3204 can sense product therebetween as the label holder 2712 isrotated from the closed position to the opened position. Additionally,as shown in FIG. 32B, although the output of the label holder rotationsensor device 2902 indicates that the label holder 2712 has been rotatedbecause the output of the sensors 3202 and 3204 show no producttherebetween, the system can log this event as a non-removal or falsealarm event. Finally with respect to FIG. 32C, the combination of thelabel holder rotation sensor device 2902 and the sensors 3202 and 3204can predict a product restocking event where product is added to thedisplay management system 2700.

FIG. 33 schematically depicts another view of the display managementsystem 2700 of FIG. 27. In particular, FIG. 33 depicts the displaymanagement system 2700 with the lower rail 2706 bent such that one ormore products 3304 a-c may be removed from the display management system2700 without the label holder 2712 pivoting from a closed position to anopen position for each product being removed. However, in oneimplementation, the label holder 2712 may comprise an opening 3302configured to receive the second end 2710 of the lower rail 2706 whenthe label holder 2712 is in a closed position, as schematically depictedFIG. 33. Accordingly, the opening 3302 may prevent the lower rail 2706from being bent into the position schematically depicted in FIG. 33without moving the label holder 2712. Accordingly, for those labelholders 2712 comprising the label holder rotation sensor device 2902, asdescribed in relation to FIGS. 29-31, motion of the label holder 2712,or a lack of contact between the label holder 2712 and one or more ofthe second end 2710 of the lower rail 2706 and/or the second end 2714 ofthe upper rail 2704 may be detected by the label holder rotation sensordevice 2902. In turn, the label holder rotation sensor device 2902 mayexecute one or more processes to identify a potential attempted theft ofproducts from the display management system 2700. In addition, FIG. 33illustrates another potential theft situation. The bending of the lowerrail 2706 may also cause the label holder 2712 to rotate upwardly. Asdiscussed above, the label holder rotation sensor device 2902 can detectthe rotation of the label holder 2712, which may also trigger one ormore processes to indicate that a potential attempted theft of productsis occurring.

FIG. 34 depicts another implementation of a display management system2130, according to one or more aspects described herein. In one example,FIG. 34 schematically depicts two product sections 3402 and 3404. Assuch, a product section may correspond to a grouping of products in asame or related product category, and/or products displayed together ina same display area. In the example of FIG. 34, product section 3402 isa cosmetics section, and product section 3404 is a shaving section. Itis contemplated that the display management system 3400 may be used totrack and manage multiple product sections in addition to those twoproduct sections 3402 and 3404 (e.g. 10 product sections, 50 productsections, 100 product sections, 500 product sections, 1000 productsections or more), and associate each product section with a differentgeographic area and/or product type within a store.

In one example, the display management system 3400 may be used incombination with a peg board 3406. However, it is contemplated thatadditional or alternative display hardware may be used, such as a wiregrid, grid wall panels, a slat wall, or shelf surface, among others. Asdepicted, the example products are displayed to a user (e.g. a shopperor store employee) while hanging below peg hook structures 3408 a-3408h. In one example, each of the peg hook structures 3408 a-3408 h may besimilar to one or more of display management system 2700, displaymanagement system 3000, display management system 3100, and/or displaymanagement system 3200. As such, each of the peg hook structures 3408a-3408 h may include a label holder rotation sensor device similar todevice 2902.

Additionally, the display management system 3400 may include a controlmodule 3410, which may otherwise be referred to as a router 3410. In oneexample, the control module 3410 may be similar to control module 940,control module 1040, control module 1140, and/or control module 1240. Inone implementation, the control module 3410 may include a wired powersupply and a processor that executes instructions received from a remotecomputer device, or stored in on-board memory. The control module 3410may be configured to communicate with the peg hook structures 3408a-3408 h, an annunciator device 3412, and a user interface controller3414 As such, the peg hook structures 3408 a-3408 h, the annunciatordevice 3412, and the user interface controller 3414 may each communicatewith the control module 3410 using one or more wireless, digital oranalog communication protocols or methodologies, such as Bluetooth,Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Wi-Fi, a cellular network, ZigBee, Z-Wave,6LoWPAN, Thread, WiFi-ah, NFC, NB-IoT, EnOcean, Dash7, WireslessHART,infra-red, and RFID, among others.

In one implementation, the control module 3410 may be used to receivesensor information and determine if a security event, such as anattempted theft of products from a display system, is taking placewithin a store. In one example, the control module 3410 may determine ifa security event, such as an attempted theft, is occurring based on afrequency at which one or more products are being removed from adisplay, such as display management system 3400. The control module 3400may be configured to communicate with and receive sensor data from alabel holder rotation sensor device 2902 that is coupled to one or moreof the peg hook structures 3408 a-3408 h. It is further contemplatedthat the control module 3410 may be configured to wirelesslycommunicate, or communicate using a wired channel with and receivesensor data from sensor 2130 that may be coupled to a spiral peg hooksecurity device 2301, or door or flip window 2124. Additionally oralternatively, the control module 1040 may be configured to receivedata, by wireless or wired communication channels, from any of thesensors described throughout these disclosures, such as sensors 30, 50,130, 150, 230, 250, 936, 1822, 2004, 2130, 2902, 3002, 3102, 3104, 3202,and/or 3204.

In one example, each of the label holder rotation sensor devices (e.g.,device 2902) associated with each of the peg hook structures 3408 a-3408h may be configured to function in a low-energy state when stationaryfor a predetermined timeout duration. A label holder rotation sensordevice is configured to transition from a low-energy state to ahigh-energy state when motion is detected. When in the low-energy state,a label holder rotation sensor device may consume a comparativelyreduced amount of energy from an integrated battery, and when in thehigh-energy state, the label holder rotation sensor device is configuredto process the data generated by a sensor as a result of motion of thelabel holder rotation sensor device, and communicate a signal to thecontrol module 3410.

The annunciator device 3412 may include a light output device 3416and/or a speaker device 3418. The light output device 3416 may beconfigured to generate and output a visible alert. It is contemplatedthat this visible alert may include one or more different colors and apersistent or intermittent illumination of a light source. It is furthercontemplated that the intermittent illumination of the light source mayinclude any pattern of illumination, and the light source may includeany light source technology, including one or more LEDs, among others.Further, it is contemplated that the speaker device 3418 may output anaudible signal of any type (e.g. a siren, a persistent or intermittenttone, a musical sequence, one or more messages in a spoken language,among others), additionally, the audible signal from the speaker device3418 may be outputted at any volume, and the volume may be adjustedduring or between audible signal outputs. Similar to the peg hookstructures 3408 a-3408 h, the annunciator device 3412 may be configuredto transition between a low-energy state when not in use, to ahigh-energy state upon receipt of a specific data type from the controlmodule 3410. In one example, the annunciator device 3412 may be poweredby an integrated battery.

The user interface controller 3414 may include a remote control devicefor receiving user input control commands. It is contemplated that thecontroller 3414 may have any number of user interface controls, and useany interface technology, including one or more buttons, touch screens,or switches, among others. In one example, the user interface controller3414 may include a smartphone device, a tablet device, a laptop, or apersonal computer, among others. Additionally or alternatively, controlmodule 3410 of the display management system 3400 may be configured toreceive voice control commands from a user, among others.

In one example, each peg hook structure, from the peg hook structures3408 a-3408 h may be saved into memory of the control module 3410, oranother computer device that is wired or wirelessly connected to thecontrol module 3410. Further, each peg hook structure may be associatedin memory with a product section in a store. The association of the peghook structure with a product section may be detected by a sensor withina label holder rotation sensor device (e.g. detected by a locationsensor, an RFID sensor, among others). Additionally or alternatively,the association of peg hook structure with a product section may beuser-inputted using the user interface controller 3414. FIG. 35 depictsthe display management system 3400 following the repositioning, andassociated pairing of peg hook structure 3408 d into product section3404. In this example, the repositioning and pairing of the peg hookstructure 3408 d corresponds to peg hook structure 3408 d being movedfrom product section 3402 to product section 3404. This pairingfunctionality is described in further detail in the following sectionsof this disclosure.

FIG. 36 depicts a flowchart diagram of a process 3600 that may beexecuted by the display management system 3400, according to one or moreaspects described herein. In one example, the elements depicted withinregion 3603 may be executed by a processor of a peg hook structure, suchas peg hook structures 3408 a-3408 h. In turn, the elements depictedwithin region 3605 may be executed by a processor of the control module3410. It is contemplated that the data communication described in thefollowing may use any combination of data communication protocols,hardware and/or firmware.

In one example, motion sensor data may be received from a sensor of apeg hook structure, such as a label holder rotation sensor 2902. Thereceived motion data may be indicative of a motion of a label holder2712. In one example, the one or more processes executed to receivemotion sensor data may be executed at block 3602 of flowchart 3600.

The motion data received at block 3602 may be processed to determine ifit is a motion that corresponds to a product being removed from (oradded to) a lower rail 2706 of a display management system 2700, 3000,3100, and/or 3200. Accordingly, one or more processes may be executed atblock 3604 in order to analyze the received motion sensor data. Thisanalysis may include comparing the received motion sensor data to one ormore threshold values (e.g., orientation angle, duration of motion,speed of motion threshold values, among others) above which the motiondata is determined to correspond to a product being removed from (oradded to) a lower rail 2706.

If the received motion data is determined to correspond to a productbeing removed from a display management system, one or more processesmay be executed to output a label holder activation signal. This labelholder activation signal may include an indication that a motion sensorhas been activated, and a unique identifier associated with the sensorand a given display management system (e.g., display management system2700, 3000, 3100, and/or 3200). These one or more processes to output alabel holder activation signal may be executed at block 3606. Thecontrol module 3410 may, in turn, execute one or more processes toreceive the label holder activation signal at block 3612.

In one example, control data may be received from a user interface. Theuser interface may include the user interface controller 3414, which maybe a handheld remote or smart phone device, a tablet, a laptop, or apersonal computer, among others. One or more processes to receive thecontrol data may be executed at block 3608.

The received control data may include instructions to activate a controlmodule operational mode. From the received control data, one or moreinstructions to activate a control module operational mode may beidentified. One or more processes executed to identify the controlmodule operational mode may be executed at block 3610. In oneimplementation, the control module operational modes may include: asecurity operational mode, which may be activated at block 3614, apairing operational mode, which may be activated at block 3616, arestocking operational mode, which may be activated at block 3618, and astatus operational mode, which may be activated at 3620.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart diagram 3700 of a security operational mode ofthe control module 3410, according to one or more aspects describedherein. In one example, a label holder activation signal may be receivedand processed by the control module 3410 while operating within asecurity operational mode. These one or more processes may be executedat block 3702 of flowchart 3700. The control module 3410 may determine anumber of discrete label holder activations that have been receivedwithin a timeout period, and from a same product section. It iscontemplated that any timeout period may be used. In another example,the control module 3410 may combine label holder activation signals frommultiple different product sections within a store. These one or moreprocesses may be executed at block 3702.

The control module 3410 may identify a security event from the receivedlabel holder activation signal. The security event may be identifiedbased upon a threshold number of label holder activations receivedwithin a timeout period, or an anomalous signal received from a labelholder, which may correspond to a label holder 2712 being held in anopen position for a prolonged, and predetermined period of time, amongothers. One or more processes to identify the security event may beexecuted at block 3704. In response, the control module 3410 may outputa security alert signal. This security alert signal may be, in oneexample, communicated to the annunciator device 3402 and/or a remotecomputer device, such as the user interface controller 3414.

FIG. 38 depicts a flowchart diagram 3800 of a pairing operational modeof the display management system 3400, according to one or more aspectsdescribed herein. In one example, a label holder activation signal maybe received and processed by the control module 3410 while operatingwithin a pairing operational mode. This label holder activation signalmay be used to identify a specific peg hook structure (e.g., from peghook structures 3408 a-3408 h) to be paired. These one or more processesmay be executed at block 3802 of flowchart 3800. Additional data may bereceived from a user interface controller 3414. This additional data mayinclude an indication of a product section with which to pair theidentified specific peg hook structure (e.g., the identified specificpeg hook structure is to be paired with a cosmetics product section).One or more processes may be executed to receive this data indicating aproduct section to pair at block 3804. The control module 3410 may, inresponse to receipt of an indication of a specific peg hook structure tobe paired with a specific product section, save into memory anassociation of the specific peg hook structure with the specific productsection at block 3806.

FIG. 39 depicts a flowchart diagram 3900 of a restocking operationalmode of the display management system 3400, according to one or moreaspects described herein. In one example, restocking data may bereceived from a user. In particular, this restocking data may bereceived from the user interface controller 3414 and/or a remotecomputer device. In one example, the restocking data may include anidentification of a product section, or one or more specific peg hookstructures to be restocked. Additionally, the restocking data mayidentify a timeout period during which the identified product sectionand/or specific peg hook structures may be restocked without triggeringa security alert signal. It is contemplated that any timeout period maybe utilized, without departing from the scope of these disclosures Oneor more processes may be executed by the control module 3410 to receivethe restocking data at block 3902. In response, the control module 3410may deactivate a security mode for the identified timeout period atblock 3904.

FIG. 40 depicts a flowchart diagram 4000 of a status operational mode ofthe display management system 3400, according to one or more aspectsdescribed herein. In one example, a request for status information of aproduct section, or one or more specific peg hook structures, may bereceived by the control module 3410 from the user interface controller3414 and/or a remote computer device. The control module 3410 mayidentify the product section, and/or the one or more specific peg hookstructures based upon the sensor activation signal received at block3612. The control module 3410 may receive the status request at block4002, and output status information for the identified product sectionand/or the one or more specific peg hook structures at block 4004. Thestatus information may include one or more battery charge levels of oneor more label holder rotation sensor devices associated with the peghook structures, and/or a number of activations of label holder rotationsensor devices within a product section, or of a single peg hookstructure, among others.

FIG. 41 depicts a flowchart diagram of a process 4100 that may beexecuted by the display management system 3400, according to one or moreaspects described herein. In one example, the control module 3410 mayinclude a non-transitory computer-readable medium that storescomputer-executable instructions that may be executed by a processor toreceive a rotation sensor electronic signal. This rotation sensorelectronic signal may be generated by a label holder rotation sensordevice of one or more peghook structures 3408 a-3408 h. Further, therotation sensor electronic signal may be generated in response to amotion of a label holder, such as label holder 2712. Additionally oralternatively, the process 4100 may be executed by display managementsystem 3400 using data received by the control module 3410 fromadditional sensors, such as sensor 2130 that may be coupled to a spiralpeg hook security device 2301, or door or flip window 2124. Additionallyor alternatively, the control module 3410 may be configured to executeprocess 4100 using data, received by wireless or wired communicationchannels, from any of the sensors described throughout thesedisclosures, such as sensors 30, 50, 130, 150, 230, 250, 936, 1822,2004, 2130, 2902, 3002, 3102, 3104, 3202, and/or 3204.

In one example, a rotation sensor electronic signal may be generated inresponse to a threshold amount of motion of a label holder, and it iscontemplated that any threshold amount of motion of the label holder maybe used, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. In oneexample, the rotation sensor electronic signal may be communicated froma wireless or wired communication interface of the label holder rotationsensor device, and received by a wireless or wired communicationinterface of the control module 3410. In one example, one or moreprocesses executed by the control module 3410 to receive the rotationsensor electronic signal may be executed at block 4102.

Upon receipt of the rotation sensor electronic signal, the controlmodule 3410 may increment a counter stored in memory. This counter maybe implemented using any known methodology, and may include a software,a firmware, and/or a hardware counter, or combinations thereof. In oneexample, the counter may be configured to reset to a null or zero countupon expiration of a threshold timeout period. It is contemplated thatthis threshold timeout period may be configured with any value, and maybe adjustable by a user in software, firmware or hardware, or acombination thereof. In one example, one or more processes may beexecuted by the control module 3410 to increment the counter uponreceipt of the rotation sensor electronic signal at block 4104 offlowchart 4100.

The control module 3410 may, upon receipt of the rotation sensorelectronic signal, determine if the counter has reached a thresholdvalue corresponding to a threshold number of rotations signals receivedwithin the timeout period. In one implementation, the threshold valuemay be determined to correspond to, among others, an attempted theft ofone or more products from a display management system within a store. Inanother example, the threshold value may be determined to correspond toa user who is having difficulties removing one or more products from adisplay management system, and who may be in need of assistance from anemployee within a store. These one or more processes to check if thecounter has reached the threshold value may be executed at decisionblock 4106.

If the control module 3410 determines that a threshold number ofrotation signals have been received within a timeout period, the controlmodule 3410 may execute one or more processes to output an annunciatordevice electronic signal. This annunciator device electronic signal mayinclude one or more instructions that are received by the annunciatordevice 3412. In response to receipt of the annunciator device electronicsignal, the annunciator device 3412 may output one or more audible orvisible signals that may include, among others, a siren, a tone, asequence of musical notes, a sequence of flashing lights, a spokenlanguage security announcement, or a spoken language announcement thatassistance is needed for a customer at a specific location within astore, or combinations thereof. The one or more processes executed bythe control module 3410 to output the annunciator device electronicsignal may be executed at block 4108. Additionally or alternatively, ifthe control module 3410 determines that a threshold number of rotationsignals have been received within a timeout period, the control module3410 may communicate a signal to a remote device without indicating to auser who has caused the label holder to move that a threshold number ofrotation signals have been received. In one example, the remote devicemay be associated with, among others, security personnel and/ormanagement of a store.

FIG. 42 depicts an implementation of a display management system 4200,according to one or more aspects described herein. The displaymanagement system 4200 may include a sensor device 4202 that is coupledto a flip window 4204. As such, the sensor device may otherwise bereferred to as a window sensor device. The flip window 4204, which mayotherwise be referred to as a security window 4204, may be partially orwholly transparent, and used to display one or more products within thedisplay management system 4200. As such, the flip window 4202 may form aportion of one or more of the display management systems describedthroughout this disclosure. In one example, the sensor device 4202 maybe similar to device 2130 depicted in FIG. 21A as being coupled to theflip window 2124.

The sensor device 4202 may be configured to detect motion of the flipwindow 4204. For example, the sensor device 4202 may detect when a userrotates the flip window 4204 about the hinge 4208. In one example, thesensor device 4202 may output a sensor activation signal or motionsignal for any motion of an element to which it is coupled. In anotherexample, the sensor device 4202 may output a sensor activation signal ormotion signal when motion of an element to which it is coupled is aboveone or more fixed of user-definable motion thresholds. Further, thesensor device 4202 may be configured to communicate information to aremote device using one or more wireless communication channels. In oneexample, the sensor device 4202 may be configured to communicate withthe control module 3410, as previously described. As such, the sensordevice 4202 may be used in combination with the display managementsystem 3400, as previously described. Accordingly, the sensor device4202 may be utilized in one or more of the processes described inrelation to FIGS. 36-41.

The sensor device 4202 may comprise a circuit board that integrates anaccelerometer (single axis, two axis, or three axis accelerometer), agyroscope, a light sensor (including an infra-red sensor and/or a sensorof light in the visible spectrum), a capacitive sensor, and/or amechanical switch. Additionally, the sensor device 4202 may include anyanalog and/or digital circuitry used to facilitate the functionality ofthe one or more integrated sensors. The sensor device 4202 may include apower source. This power source may be in the form of a cell or battery4206. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor device 4202 may includean energy harvesting device configured to convert kinetic energy fromthe motion of the flip window 4204 into electrical energy that may bestored in the battery 4206 and/or used to power the one or moreelectronic elements of the sensor device 4202. This energy harvestingdevice may be in the form of a dynamo that is implemented with any knownelectromechanical design, without departing from the scope of thesedisclosures. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor device 4202 mayinclude one or more photovoltaic cells configured to convert lightenergy into electrical energy may be stored within the battery 4206and/or used to power the one or more electronic elements of the sensordevice 4202.

The sensor device 4202 may additionally include a transmitter ortransceiver, hereinafter referred to as a transceiver, configured tofacilitate one-way or two-way communication from, or from and to, thesensor device 4202. The transceiver may include any adapter hardware,firmware and/or software for communication using any wirelesscommunication protocol, such as BLUETOOTH, BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY (BLE),WI-FI, A CELLULAR NETWORK, ZIGBEE, Z-WAVE, 6LOWPAN, THREAD, WIFI-AH,NFC, NB-IOT, ENOCEAN, DASH7, WIRESLESSHART, INFRA-RED, AND RFID.

The sensor device 4202 may be coupled to the flip window 4204 by anymechanical coupling element, which may include, among others, anadhesive, a screw, a bolt, a rivet, a staple, a hook and loop fastener.Additionally or alternatively, the sensor device 4202 may be positionedwithin a slot or cutout of the flip window 4204 and may be loosely heldwithin said slot or cutout, or held by way of an interference fit.

In another example, the sensor device 4202 may be coupled to astationary portion of the display management system 4200, and the sensordevice may detect products removed from or added to the displaymanagement system 4200 as a result of vibrations being propagatedthrough one or more mechanical elements of the display management system4200 to the sensor device 4202.

In one implementation, the sensor device 4202 may include firmwareand/or processes stored within a non-transitory computer-readable medium(that may be any form of volatile memory, or any persistent form ofmemory). This firmware and/or processes may facilitate functionality to:filter, compress, interpolate or otherwise process data outputted from asensor of the sensor device 4202, and/or identify patterns within sensordata received from the sensor of sensor device 4202. Additionally, thefirmware and/or processes stored with in a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium may be used to communicate with a remote devicethrough the transceiver.

In one example, the sensor device 4202 may be used in combination withany of the security systems, and attached to any of the movable windowor other elements described in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/046,385,filed 4 Oct. 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,167,913, the entire contents ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference for any and all non-limitingpurposes.

FIG. 43 depicts an example annunciator device 4300, according to one ormore aspects described herein. In one example, the annunciator device4300 may be similar to device 1060 described in relation to FIG. 15A. Inone implementation, the annunciator device 4300 may include circuitboard 4302 that includes one or more sub-components configured toreceive and process sensor information received through the terminals,or docketing contacts 4304. The docking contacts 4304 may be configuredto communicate with one or more external devices, such as one or moremechanical switches. These mechanical switches, in turn, may bepositioned on one or more of the inventory or display management systemsdescribed throughout this disclosure, whereby a switch may be activatedas a user removes or adds one or more products from or to a displaysystem. As such, it is contemplated that any mechanical switchimplementation may be used in combination with the annunciator device4300 to connect through terminals 4304. The circuit board 4302 mayinclude one or more user interfaces, such as push buttons, switches,and/or a screen. Additionally, the circuit board 4302 may include one ormore logic chips and/or microprocessors configured to output one or moreaudible signals to the speaker device 4306. The audible signals mayinclude one or more tones, alarms, or spoken language messages. Further,the conditions under which the one or more audible signals may beoutputted may be adjustable, by using an external device to program oneor more logic elements of the circuit board 4302. The circuit board 4302and speaker device 4306 may be powered by one or more batteries, whichmay be held within battery retainer 4308. The circuit board 4302,speaker device 4306 and battery retainer 4308 may be encased within aprotective shell 4310, which may include one or more removable coveringelements that are not depicted in FIG. 43.

FIG. 44 depicts a retrofitted annunciator device 4400, according to oneor more aspects described herein. FIG. 44 depicts an implementation of acommunication device 4402 that may be retrofitted into the protectiveshell 4310 such that activation signals from external sensors (e.g. oneor more wired mechanical switches or motion sensing devices) may bereceived through existing connection hardware terminals 4304, andcommunicated wirelessly to a remote device. In one example, theretrofitted annunciator device 4400 may receive sensor signals from oneor more mechanical/electromechanical switches and/or other types ofsensors described throughout this disclosure and connected to a flipwindow of a display management system, similar to display window/flipwindow 2124, and display window/flip window 4204. Additionally oralternatively, the retrofitted annunciator device 4400 may receivesensor signals from one or more mechanical/electromechanical switchesand/or other types of sensors described throughout this disclosure andcoupled to alternative structures of a display management system.

The communication device 4402 may be used in combination with thedisplay management system 3400, as previously described. Accordingly,the communication device 4402 may be utilized in one or more of theprocesses described in relation to FIGS. 36-41.

The communication device 4402 may include elements similar to controlsensor 2130, system controller device 2400, and/or communication device4402, as previously described. In one example, the communication device4402 may include a power source, such as a battery, an energy harvestingdevice, and/or one or more photovoltaic cells. The communication device4402 may additionally include one or more logic circuits and/ormicroprocessors configured to receive, process and/or interpret sensordata received through terminals 4304. It is contemplated that any sensordata processes may be implemented by the communication device 4402,including, among others, filtering, interpolating, compressing,identifying one or more patterns within sensor data, and/or storage ofmultiple sensor activations. The communication device 4402 mayadditionally include a wireless transmitter or transceiver, which ishereinafter referred to as a transceiver. This wireless transceiver mayinclude hardware, such as one or more antennae, and supporting firmwareand software configured to communicate using any wireless communicationchannel and/or protocol. In one example, the communication device 4402may communicate using one or more of BLUETOOTH, BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY(BLE), WI-FI, A CELLULAR NETWORK, ZIGBEE, Z-WAVE, 6LOWPAN, THREAD,WIFI-AH, NFC, NB-IOT, ENOCEAN, DASH7, WIRESLESSHART, INFRA-RED, ANDRFID. Additionally, the communication device may be configured toconnect to a control module, similar to control module 3410, such thatsensor hardware already installed within a display management systemusing a wired connection to terminals 4304 may be upgraded to having awireless connection to control module 3410.

In one aspect, a display management system may include a supportstructure with an upper rail connected to a lower rail at a first, orproximal end. The support structure may be configured to be removablycoupled to a surface at the first end, and the lower rail may beconfigured to support a hanging product that is added to and removedfrom the lower rail at a second, or distal end. The display managementsystem may have a label holder that is pivotably coupled to a second, ordistal end of the upper rail, with the label holder pivoting between aclosed position and an open position. The label holder may further havea display plate that has a front surface for receiving a display label,and a back surface. Additionally, the label holder may have an armstructure extending from the back surface of the display plate, with thearm structure having a geometry that prevents more than one product frombeing removed from, or added to, the lower rail each time the labelholder is pivoted from the closed position to the open position. Thelabel holder of the display management system may additionally include alabel holder rotation sensor device that is configured to output arotation sensor electronic signal when the label holder is moved from aclosed position to an open position. The display management system mayadditionally include an annunciator device, and a control module that isconnected to the label holder rotation sensor device and the annunciatordevice. The control module may have a non-transitory computer-readablemedium that has computer-executable instructions that are executed by aprocessor to receive the rotation sensor electronic signal from thelabel holder rotation sensor device. Further, the control module may beconfigured to output an annunciator device electronic signal uponreceipt of a threshold number of rotation holder electronic signals fromthe label holder rotation sensor device within a threshold time period.The annunciator device, in turn, may be configured to receive theannunciator device electronic signal, and output an audible or visiblesignal.

The control module may communicate with the label holder rotation sensordevice and the annunciator device using one or more wirelesscommunication channels.

In one example, the control module may include a router device.

In another example, the label holder rotation sensor device may includean accelerometer sensor.

In one aspect, this disclosure includes a display management systemhaving a mechanism that may be configured to move in response to aproduct being removed from the display management system. The displaymanagement system may additionally have a sensor that outputs motiondata in response to movement of the mechanism. Further, the displaymanagement system may have a control circuit that receives the motiondata and communicates the motion data to a remote processor if itexceeds a threshold value. Additionally, the display management systemmay have a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprisingcomputer-executable instructions that may be executed by the remoteprocessor to calculate the current position of the mechanism from themotion data, and calculate the number of products removed from thedisplay management system based on the position of the mechanism.

In another aspect, this disclosure includes a display management systemthat may have a mechanism configured to move in response to a productbeing removed from the display management system. The display managementsystem may further have a sensor that outputs motion data in response tomovement of the mechanism.

Additionally, the display management system may have a transmittercircuit that transmits the motion data to a remote processor, and anon-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer-executableinstructions that may be executed by the remote processor to calculatethe current position of the mechanism and calculate a product removalpattern.

In yet another aspect, this disclosure includes a non-transitorycomputer-readable medium comprising computer-executable instructionsthat when executed by a processor may be configured to receive sensordata from sensors associated with one or more display managementsystems. Additionally, the sensor data may be used to calculate a numberof products removed from the one or more display management system, andmay be used to detect product removal pattern based on the number ofproducts removed from the display management systems.

In another aspect, this disclosure includes a display management systemthat has a support structure with an upper rail connected to a lowerrail, the lower rail configured to support a hanging product. Thedisplay management system may have a label holder that is pivotablycoupled to one end of the upper rail, with the label holder pivotingbetween a closed position and an open position. The label holder mayfurther have a display plate that has a front surface for receiving adisplay label, and a back surface. Additionally, the label holder mayhave an arm structure extending from the back surface of the displayplate, with the arm structure having a geometry that prevents more thanone product from being removed from, or added to, the lower rail eachtime the label holder is pivoted from the closed position to the openposition.

In another aspect, this disclosure relates to a display managementsystem that has a support structure with an upper rail coupled to alower rail, with the lower rail configured to support a hanging product.The display management system may have a label holder that is pivotablycoupled to one end of the upper rail, with the label holder pivotingbetween a closed position and an open position. The label holder mayalso include a display plate that has a front surface configured toreceive a display label, and a back surface. Additionally, the labelholder may have a sensor device and a non-transitory computer-readablemedium that has computer-executable instructions. When executed by aprocessor, the computer-executable instructions may receive data fromthe sensor device, and calculate a product removal pattern from thedisplay management system.

In one aspect, a display management system may include a supportstructure with an upper rail connected to a lower rail at a first, orproximal end. The support structure may be configured to be removablycoupled to a surface at the first end, and the lower rail may beconfigured to support a hanging product that is added to and removedfrom the lower rail at a second, or distal end. The display managementsystem may have a label holder that is pivotably coupled to a second, ordistal end of the upper rail, with the label holder pivoting between aclosed position and an open position. The label holder may further havea display plate that has a front surface for receiving a display label,and a back surface. Additionally, the label holder may have an armstructure extending from the back surface of the display plate, with thearm structure having a geometry that prevents more than one product frombeing removed from, or added to, the lower rail each time the labelholder is pivoted from the closed position to the open position.

The display management system may also include a label holder rotationsensor device in operative communication with a sensor. The label holderrotation sensor device may have a first non-transitory computer-readablemedium with computer-executable instructions that are executed by aprocessor to receive motion data from the sensor, detect from thereceived motion data, a motion of the label holder, and output a labelholder activation signal indicating that the label holder has beenmoved.

In one example, the display management system may include a controlmodule that has a second non-transitory computer-readable medium withcomputer-executable instructions that are executed by a processor toreceive control data from a user interface controller, and identify fromthe received control data and instruction to activate a control moduleoperational mode.

The control data received from the user interface controller may includean instruction to operate the control module in a security operationalmode. As such, the second non-transitory computer-readable medium mayinclude computer-executable instructions that are executed by aprocessor to activate the security mode of the display managementsystem. Additionally, the instructions may receive the label holderactivation signal from the label holder rotation sensor device mayidentify, based on the received label holder activation signal, asecurity event, and output, based on the identified security event, asecurity alert signal.

The identification of the security event may further includeidentifying, based on the received label holder activation signal, athreshold number of activation signals received within a predeterminedperiod of time from the label holder rotation sensor device, or frommultiple label holder rotation sensor devices within a same productsection.

The display management system may additionally include an annunciatordevice that has at least one of a speaker output device and a lightoutput device. The annunciator device may also include a thirdnon-transitory computer-readable medium that stores computer-executableinstructions that are executed by a processor to receive a securityalert signal, and output at least one of an audible or visible alertindication.

The control data received from the user interface controller may includean instruction to operate the control module in a pairing operationalmode. As such, the second non-transitory computer-readable medium mayinclude computer-executable instructions that are executed by aprocessor to activate a pairing mode of the display management system,receive a label holder activation signal, receive data from the userinterface controller indicating a product section with which toassociate the label holder rotation sensor device, and save into memorya record associating the product section and the label holder rotationsensor device.

The control data received from the user interface controller may includean instruction to operate the control module in a restocking operationalmode. As such, the second non-transitory computer-readable medium mayinclude computer-executable instructions that are executed by aprocessor to receive data from a user interface controller indicating aproduct section and a time delay during which the product section is tobe restocked. Additionally, the processor may execute instructions todeactivate a security mode for the product section for a duration of thetime delay and ignore the received the label holder activation signalfor the duration of the time delay.

The control data received from the user interface controller may includean instruction to operate the control module in a status operationalmode. As such, the second non-transitory computer-readable medium mayinclude computer-executable instructions that are executed by aprocessor to output status data associated with the label holderrotation sensor device. The status data may include a battery chargelevel and a number of activations of the label holder rotations sensordevice.

In one example, the sensor of the display management system may be anaccelerometer or a product contact sensor coupled to the arm structure.

The various embodiments described herein may be implemented bygeneral-purpose or specialized computer hardware. In one example, thecomputer hardware may comprise one or more processors, otherwisereferred to as microprocessors, having one or more processing coresconfigured to allow for parallel processing/execution of instructions.As such, the various disclosures described herein may be implemented assoftware coding, wherein those of skill in the art will recognizevarious coding languages that may be employed with the disclosuresdescribed herein. Additionally, the disclosures described herein may beutilized in the implementation of application-specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), or in the implementation of various electroniccomponents comprising conventional electronic circuits (otherwisereferred to as off-the-shelf components). Furthermore, those of ordinaryskill in the art will understand that the various descriptions includedin this disclosure may be implemented as data signals communicated usinga variety of different technologies and processes. For example, thedescriptions of the various disclosures described herein may beunderstood as comprising one or more streams of data signals, datainstructions, or requests, and physically communicated as bits orsymbols represented by differing voltage levels, currents,electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields, optical fields, or combinationsthereof.

One or more of the disclosures described herein may comprise a computerprogram product having computer-readable medium/media with instructionsstored thereon/therein that, when executed by a processor, areconfigured to perform one or more methods, techniques, systems, orembodiments described herein. As such, the instructions stored on thecomputer-readable media may comprise actions to be executed forperforming various steps of the methods, techniques, systems, orembodiments described herein. Furthermore, the computer-readablemedium/media may comprise a storage medium with instructions configuredto be processed by a computing device, and specifically a processorassociated with a computing device. As such the computer-readable mediummay include a form of persistent or volatile memory such as a hard diskdrive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an optical disk (CD-ROMs, DVDs),tape drives, floppy disk, ROM, RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, DRAM, VRAM, flashmemory, RAID devices, remote data storage (cloud storage, and the like),or any other media type or storage device suitable for storing datathereon/therein. Additionally, combinations of different storage mediatypes may be implemented into a hybrid storage device. In oneimplementation, a first storage medium may be prioritized over a secondstorage medium, such that different workloads may be implemented bystorage media of different priorities.

Further, the computer-readable media may store softwarecode/instructions configured to control one or more of ageneral-purpose, or a specialized computer. Said software may beutilized to facilitate interface between a human user and a computingdevice, and wherein said software may include device drivers, operatingsystems, and applications. As such, the computer-readable media maystore software code/instructions configured to perform one or moreimplementations described herein.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the variousillustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, techniques, or methodsteps of those implementations described herein may be implemented aselectronic hardware devices, computer software, or combinations thereof.As such, various illustrative modules/components have been describedthroughout this disclosure in terms of general functionality, whereinone of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the describeddisclosures may be implemented as hardware, software, or combinations ofboth.

The one or more implementations described throughout this disclosure mayutilize logical blocks, modules, and circuits that may be implemented orperformed with a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor(DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventionalprocessor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processormay also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., acombination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration.

The techniques or steps of a method described in connection with theembodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, insoftware executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. Insome embodiments, any software module, software layer, or threaddescribed herein may comprise an engine comprising firmware or softwareand hardware configured to perform embodiments described herein.Functions of a software module or software layer described herein may beembodied directly in hardware, or embodied as software executed by aprocessor, or embodied as a combination of the two. A software modulemay reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROMmemory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any otherform of storage medium known in the art. An example storage medium iscoupled to the processor such that the processor can read data from, andwrite data to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storagemedium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storagemedium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user device. Inthe alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside asdiscrete components in a user device.

Accordingly, it will be understood that the invention is not to belimited to the embodiments disclosed herein, but is to be understoodfrom the following clauses, which are to be interpreted as broadly asallowed under the law.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display management system comprising: a supportstructure having an upper rail coupled to a lower rail at a first end,wherein the lower rail is configured to support one or more hangingproducts that are added to, and removed from, the lower rail at a secondend of the lower rail; a door configured to mount to a shelf, the doormounted substantially above the support structure and extending at leastbelow the upper rail, wherein the door is movable between a firstposition obstructing access to the support structure and a secondposition allowing access to the support structure; a sensor deviceconfigured to detect movement of the door; a transmitter for emitting awireless signal regarding movement of the door; and a processing deviceconfigured to receive the wireless signal sent from the transmitter andprovide a notification upon receiving the wireless signal from thetransmitter.
 2. The display management system of claim 1, wherein theprocessing device is configured to provide the notification uponreceiving the wireless signal indicating a deviation from a preset rateof movement of the door has occurred.
 3. The display management systemof claim 1, wherein the processing device is configured to provide thenotification upon receiving the wireless signal indicating a presetnumber of products have been removed from the lower rail.
 4. The displaymanagement system of claim 1, wherein the support structure isconfigured to be removably coupled to a surface at the first end.
 5. Thedisplay management system of claim 1, wherein the door comprises adisplay plate having a front surface configured to receive at least onedisplay label.
 6. The display management system of claim 1, wherein thenotification comprises an audible notification.
 7. The displaymanagement system of claim 1, wherein the notification comprises avisual notification.
 8. The display management system of claim 1,further comprising a remote processing device configured to receive thesignal sent from the transmitter and provide a notification uponreceiving the signal from the transmitter.
 9. A display managementsystem comprising: a support structure having an upper rail coupled to alower rail at a first end, wherein the lower rail is configured tosupport one or more hanging products that are added to, and removedfrom, the lower rail at a second end of the lower rail; a doorconfigured to mount to a shelf, the door mounted substantially above thesupport structure and extending at least below the upper rail, whereinthe door is configured to pivot between an open position and a closedposition; a sensor device configured to detect movement of the door andtransmit a signal regarding movement of the door; and a notificationdevice configured to receive the signal and provide a notification basedon the received signal.
 10. The display management system of claim 9,wherein the notification device is configured to provide thenotification when the door has been held open for a preset time.
 11. Thedisplay management system of claim 9, wherein the notification deviceprovides the notification upon determining the signal indicates adeviation from a preset rate of movement of the door has occurred. 12.The display management system of claim 9, wherein the notificationdevice provides the notification upon determining the signal indicates apreset number of products have been removed from the lower rail.
 13. Thedisplay management system of claim 9, wherein the support structure isconfigured to be removably coupled to a surface at the first end. 14.The display management system of claim 9, wherein the door comprises adisplay plate having a front surface configured to receive at least onedisplay label.
 15. The display management system of claim 9, wherein thenotification comprises an audible notification or a visual notification.16. The display management system of claim 9, further comprising aremote processing device configured to receive the signal and provide anotification upon receiving the signal.
 17. A display management systemcomprising: a support structure having an upper rail coupled to a lowerrail at a first end, wherein the lower rail is configured to support oneor more hanging products that are added to, and removed from, the lowerrail at a second end of the lower rail and the support structure isconfigured to be removably coupled to a surface at the first end; abarrier configured to mount to a shelf coupled to the surface, thebarrier mounted substantially above the support structure and extendingat least below the upper rail, wherein the barrier is movable between afirst position obstructing access to the support structure and a secondposition allowing access to the support structure; a sensor deviceconfigured to detect movement of the barrier; a processor configured toreceive information from the sensor device regarding movement of thebarrier and to provide a notification upon receiving the informationfrom the sensor; a transmitter for emitting a wireless signal to aremote processing device regarding movement of the barrier; and a remoteprocessing device configured to receive the signal sent from thetransmitter, wherein the remote processing device is configured toprovide a notification upon receiving the signal from the transmitter.18. The display management system of claim 17, wherein the processorprovides the notification upon determining the signal indicates adeviation from a preset rate of movement of the barrier has occurred.19. The display management system of claim 17, wherein the processorprovides the notification upon determining the signal indicates a presetnumber of products have been removed from the lower rail.
 20. Thedisplay management system of claim 17, wherein the notification isselected from the group consisting of an audible notification and avisual notification.